Express & Star

Paddy Jones to attend Stourbridge carnival

Thousands are expected to turn out for Stourbridge Carnival this wekend - and town's very own salsa granny is a special guest of honour.

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The annual event, which is now in its 27th year, takes place on Sunday and will run from 10-5pm.

Britain's Got Talent dancing pensioner Paddy Jones will judge the carnival princess competition.

This year organisers of the carnival have linked the family fun day with the Black Country Festival and there will be a number of themed activities taking place around the town.

The theme for the traditional parade is countries around the world, to tie in with the World Cup.

The annual foot parade will start at Lower High Street and it will be led by Kingswinford ATC band. The parade will tour the town centre before being judged by the Mayor of Dudley, Councillor Margaret Aston.

Visitors can enjoy a variety of traditional stalls, games and activities and there will be a fun fair for youngsters.

Entertainment for all the family will be provided by a mix of community groups and dance troupes and will take place in the arena, situated by the clock, throughout the day.

There will also be a display of classic cars, charity stalls and new to the carnival this year will be a retro fair.

No carnival is complete without a carnival princess and the competition will take place at 10.15am. There are two age categories. Girls aged three to five can enter to be crowned the carnival's rosebud and the carnival princess competition is open to girls aged six to 10.

There is no need to register in before the day and youngsters wishing to take part in the princess pageant can sign up in the main arena by the town clock by 10.15am.

Judging will start at 10.30am and there will be cash prizes for the winners and goody bags for all entrants.

David Harcourt, chairman of Stourbridge's Chamber of Trade which organises the carnival, said: "It is the first year we have tied the carnival in with another festival but I think it will enhance the day.

"The Black Country Festival will bring a different dynamic to our popular event.

"I would encourage everyone to come along. It is free and a very popular family fun day."

Councillor Pete Lowe, deputy leader of Dudley Council said: "To link this year's Black Country Festival with the ever-popular Stourbridge Carnival makes complete sense and I'm sure people of all ages will enjoy a great day out.

"We've got Black Country themed fun in and around Coventry Street to add to the usual family entertainment throughout the town at the carnival."

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