Thousands enjoy Smethwick's May Day Festival

Temperatures soared at the free event at Lightwoods Park yesterday, which included a funfair, craft workshops and market stalls.

The May Day event also hosted the second day of Sandwell's Strongest Man competition, which saw participants lift logs, weights, sandbags and even a car.

There was plenty of music for the crowds to enjoy on the main stage, and the bandstand was also bustling with acts.

Enville Breweries hosted the first Real Ale Festival at the event, and the ale area was packed with people trying out the tasty tipple's on offer. As in previous years the festival was organised by Sandwell Council and the Friends of Lightwoods Park and House group.

Jan Davis, aged 47, went along to watch her brother Alan Davis, aged 31, take part in the strongman competition. The cleaner from Queen's Road, Oldbury said: "It has just been a fantastic day. We have come along to support Al, and well everybody here really, and we couldn't have asked for a better day for it."

His niece Leanne Abrahams, who is a Moat Farm Junior School pupil, was also cheering on her uncle.

The nine-year-old said: "It has been really fun, and loads of people have been watching."

Bethany Whyley, aged 13 from Halesowen had come along to watch her step-father Stephen Meredith perform on the bandstand. The Windsor High School pupil had donned her sunglasses and was enjoying the sunny weather with an ice lolly. She said: "My stepdad is in the ukulele band the B-Cups. We came along to watch him, and he was really good. I can't wait to go on the funfair, and try out some of the other activities."

The sunny bank holiday was a big improvement on last year, when it rained.

Today, temperatures across the Black Country were expected to hit 20C (68F).

The weekend saw the hottest temperatures of the year so far, with the mercury soaring to 22C (72F).

People flocked to the coastline to enjoy the sunshine after the coldest Easter on record and a disappointing start to spring. Temperatures were expected to fall this evening before turning cloudy and unsettled tomorrow.