Families descend on Sandwell park for summer festival event
Dozens of young people and families enjoyed free activities at SHAPE Summer Festival 2019 in the Black Country.
The popular event returned to Sandwell Valley Country Park on Saturday – with organisers describing the event as their best event yet.
The festival, organised by Sandwell Council's SHAPE team, included for the first time a careers marquee where more than 25 employers and training providers provided free advice to young people about their futures.
Activities on the day also included a climbing wall, archery, craft activities, face painting and meeting farm animals including a calf and young chicks.
Local acts also performed on a music stage throughout the event – which also saw a dance-off competition and music talent show for youngsters.
Councillor Maria Crompton, Sandwell Council's cabinet member for safer communities, said: "It was a wonderful event. On the stage we had a singing and dance competition, while this year for the first time we had a massive careers tent showcasing different providers including representatives from the army and police.
"There were lots of different things going on – we had farm animals, representatives from the Albion Foundation, Sandwell Leisure Trust providing free activities, the youth bus and a climbing wall.
"There were a lot of young people at the festival and also families – they looked like they were having a wonderful time and lots of fun.
"It was such a good day all round."
A Sandwell Council spokesman added: "The SHAPE Summer Festival event at Sandwell Valley Country Park was incredibly busy. There were so many activities and free things for the children to do there.
"We are thrilled so many people came and it is the best turn out we have ever seen for this event."
