Final touches as town ready for carnival

Finishing touches are being made to preparations for next month's Wednesbury Carnival.

A fancy dress competition which replaced the parade of decorated floats – banned last year due to health and safety fears – is taking place once again.

The contest opens the town's 40th carnival at Brunswick Park on July 11 at 12.30pm. Mike Warner, of Rotary Club of Wednesbury, which organises the event, said: "It's all going to plan at the moment. We are just keeping our fingers crossed for the weather to stay dry.

"The support we've had has been fantastic and it promises to be a great day. It's a free day out for people and there will be so much going on."

Thousands usually flock to the park every year for the carnival, which includes stalls, performances and games. The programme this year features performances by the Warwickshire Military Band, Woodlands Dog Display Team, Charlee's Angels Dance Group and the Wood Green Junior Dance Group.

There will be cash prizes of up to £100 on offer for the best costumes in the fancy dress competition.

Mr Warner said he hoped the carnival would attract as many visitors as last year, despite the recession. "We usually attract up to 4,000 people so we are hoping for the same this year," he said. "We know everyone is struggling but this is a free day out for the family.

"The park is going to be full of stalls and other attractions and we have overcome the disappointment of the cancelled parade.

"We want this event to show people that there are things going on in the town and it's not all doom and gloom."

The event will be officially opened at 12.30pm by the Mayor of Sandwell Councillor Geoff Lewis and finishes at 5pm.