Crowds flow in for night of light

It was billed as the biggest free event in the Black Country and yesterday’s Festival of Water and Light in Dudley certainly pulled in the crowds.

After a wet start to the day when heavy rain threatened to make it more about the water than the light, the sun finally started to shine for the annual event held at Dudley’s Waterfront in Brierley Hill.

This year the festival was celebrating its 10th anniversary and visitors and contributors seemed determined to make it a day to remember.

The theme for the day was What a Wonderful World and canal boats decked out to represent different countries lined the waterways while stall holders squeezed into the car parks.

Local entertainers, including the Brierley Hill Musical Theatre Company, performed at the event which ran from 2pm until 8.30pm and live music was on offer at various stages throughout the day.

The festival climax came at the end of the night when visitors were treated to a fireworks display. Canal boats were hired by charities and companies who used the event to promote their cause.