Streets come alive for Caldmore Carnival

Music, food and entertainment featured at Caldmore Carnival, which took place at the weekend.

There was also a procession and poetry as the village event proved a success – months after it was first due to take place.

It was postponed in June due to the weather, but organisers of the annual celebration would not be denied their event and ensured it went ahead on Saturday.

This year's procession set off from Caldmore Community Garden, in Carless Street, at 2pm.

It then passed through a number of Caldmore streets before returning to the garden at 3pm, where there were performances from a range of acts.

There were dancers and musicians with schoolchildren taking part while poetry was provided.

Anna Rogozinska, chairman of Caldmore Village Festival group, said: "It was brilliant.

"A lot of people came to the garden for the afternoon and everyone was saying how much they enjoyed it.

"The weather was amazing. We had to call it off in June and we feel vindicated. It was just such a lovely, relaxing, sunny afternoon."

In the build-up to the carnival, community workshops were held so people could work make their own costumes and props to wear and carry in the procession.

The route included St Michael Street, Buckle Close, Hope Street, Bath Road, Newhall Street, Sandwell Street, West Bromwich Road and Little London.

This year's event was funded by Near Neighbours, a group which aims to bring people together who live close by in communities that are religiously and ethnically diverse.

The festival group was set up in March 2009 and organises the annual festival.

It also organised the Walsall Mela event last month at Palfrey Park which was attended by thousands of people who enjoyed activities from sports to music and rides.

The event showcased the best in Asian arts, sport and culture.