Express & Star

Thousands enjoyed the fun at Black Country weekend events

There was fun in the sun for thousands of families as they headed into the great outdoors for a weekend of events.

Published

Pelsall Carnival and the popular Bands on the Beacon were among the events to pull in the crowds over the weekend.

Dog shows, car displays and a fun fair were just some of the activities on Saturday as around 3,00 people descended on Pelsall Common.

Many lined the streets to watch a procession leave from Commonside with 27 different acts, including five floats, six walking groups and two bands.

The Chase Royals Marching Band and Walsall Coronettes both took part.

Eighteen-year-old Megan Cox was crowned Carnival Queen and featured in the procession alongside her attendants.

The carnival featured more than 80 stalls, quad bikes, and shows including Zumba and dog training. There were displays of cars and motorbikes, musical performances and gymnasts.

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Winner of the best float went to Aldridge-based Jo-Leigh School of Dance, which had a Wizard of Oz theme.

Mother-of-two Jo-Leigh Tolley, who runs the dance school, said she was delighted with the result.

The 42-year-old, of Aldridge, said: "The parents of the dance students helped to make the float. The Emerald City and yellow brick road were made out of cardboard tubes and tablecloths.

"There was a great atmosphere and everyone enjoyed themselves."

Pupils from Ryders Hayes School also led a farmyard themed float, which was covered in balloons, inflatable cows and bales of straw.

The youngsters, who donned country themed outfits, all take part in after-school Zumba classes led by Karen Sperring, who also enjoyed the carnival.

The 47-year-old mother-of-three, of Highgate, Walsall, said: "It was a really good atmosphere. There were lots of people watching the procession. People were lining the streets and clapping. It's a very good community event."

Pelsall Carnival Committee secretary Ian Rhydderch said it had been a successful event.

He added: "When the first car boot trader turned up at 4.15am it was pouring with rain but at 10am the weather started to get better and it turned out great.

"The Lichfield and District Dog Training Society did a superb obedience section. The showground was full. "We had around 3,000 people there throughout the day. "

Meanwhile, around 3,000 people snapped up tickets for the sold-out Bands on the Beacon music festival, which was held at the historic nature reserve.

Music was spread across two stages from the likes of Enticement, Zak Christie, Regale, Mojo Hooker and Soley Mourning.

Organisers of the festival were forced to introduce a ticketing system this year due to the growing popularity of the event.

Elsewhere in the West Midlands and Staffordshire, fans of the Volkswagon campervan flocked to Weston Park near Wolverhampton to enjoy a summer celebration of the beloved vehicle.

VW enthusiasts travelled from across the UK and Europe for the Camper Jam event.

A party atmosphere played out over the three days with onesie and fancy dress nights to the background of live music.

Shelley Bond, events manager at Weston Park, said: "Camper Jam takes the idea of the VW weekend right back to basics – great people in great buses having a great time."

Highlights of the weekend included VW displays, trade areas, a food village, real ale and cider tents and bungee trampolines.

Crowds flocked to soak up carnival atmospheres in Tettenhall and Bushbury, and the Great British Food Festival at Shugborough Hall in Stafford over the weekend was hailed a huge success.

Meanwhile motorbike enthusiasts from across the UK travelled to Wolverhampton for an annual celebration of the historic Sunbeam company

And up to 100,000 people flocked to Smethwick's Victoria Park for the huge Sandwell and Birmingham Mela.

WALSALL COPYRIGHT EXPRESS&STAR TIM THURSFIELD 05/07/14 Pelsall Carnival. Winners of the best float were Jo-Leigh School of Dance Wizard of Oz float. Pictured are Katie Fenn, Victoria Seedhouse, Elise Brookes-Smith, Yazmin Tolley, Holly Fellows, Simone Maund and Rachel Bridgman. JO 07968 147 103.
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