Thousands see start of Sandwell festival

Circus entertainers provided the 'perfect start' to a fortnight-long festival in Sandwell.

Thousands of people turned out in the sun to watch the fun.

Street theatre and comedy walkabouts were staged in the centres of Smethwick, Blackheath, Oldbury, Wednesbury and Tipton for the beginning of the Sandwell Arts Festival on Saturday.

There were also free circus performances in West Bromwich High Street throughout the day.

Aside from the shows, there was face painting, balloon modelling and percussion performances for the thousands of people who turned out.

Festival producer Sarah-Jane Watkinson said: "It's been really, really great to see so many people come out in their town centres and enjoy themselves in the sun.

"Everyone I've spoken to has loved the shows, let's hope the festival continues how it has started – it's been a perfect start so far."

The festival is organised by a steering group which includes representatives from Multistory, Black Country Touring, Sandwell Third Age Arts and Primary Care Turst.

Today, the festival continues with street dance workshops, book reading and art exhibitions.

It will finish with a procession of giant puppets through West Bromwich town centre.