Crowds defy rain for Bloxwich Carnival and Stafford car rally

Heavy rainfall did not dampen the party mood at Bloxwich Carnival on Saturday as 4,000 people gathered at King George V Playing Fields.

And strong gusts and overcast skies failed to put the brakes on large crowds of car enthusiasts descending on Stafford Castle yesterday.

At Bloxwich, stunt motorcyclists, fairground rides and donkey trots made it a day worth staying for, with organisers hailing the highly anticipated event a great success.

Having fun at Bloxwich Carnival:

Terry Bate, chairman of the carnival committee, said: "It was a fantastic day and there were a lot of smiling faces. The people of Bloxwich have a great community spirit and they won't let the rain stop them. The carnival is getting better every year."

Headlining this year's event was the Stannage International Stunt Team, a family of motorcycling daredevils and escape artists who wowed crowds with their death-defying tricks.

Onlookers held their breath as the team, who have performed across Europe and the Middle East, flipped off ramps and even set themselves on fire before leaping from a tower.

Kim Cullum, aged 44, was watching with her daughters Kersty and Chelsie and her son-in-law Stuart.

Mrs Cullum, of Ryle Street, Bloxwich, said: "I couldn't believe my eyes at some of the things they were doing.

"The whole day was really enjoyable, apart from the rain.

"It really belted it down, but then after that it got absolutely red hot. We were soaking wet but I was dancing in it."

The carnival was launched in 1903 to lift the spirits of miners' families and has been running ever since, with only the occasional break.

Organisers estimate they raised between £2,000 and £3,000 this year, which will go towards next year's carnival and an annual pensioners' party. Around 200 vintage vehicles were on display at Stafford Castle's Classic Car Show.

They included racing cars, military vehicles, motorcycles, lorries, a field army ambulance, tractors and even an ice cream van.

Organisers said the day was a great success, with around 2,000 visitors flocking to the historic site.

Mark Hartwell, Stafford Borough Council's heritage site manager, said: "It's been absolutely fantastic, probably one of the best shows we've ever had." Families took part in children's quizzes and wandered among stalls selling everything from herbs to crafts, with music from a brass band.

Youngsters got the chance to go for a spin in a series of mini Land Rover rides.

Among the regular exhibitors was Miles Bickford, who showcased his 1937 Buick Century, named for its top speed of 100mph, which also earned it the nickname of the Banker's Hotrod in its day. Mr Bickford, of Church Lane, Coven, who part-runs his family's truck rental business, said: "I've been all over the country showing this car and the response is always amazing, as it has been here today."

Organisers are still adding up the total raised at the event, but they estimate it will be thousands of pounds, which will go towards the upkeep of the castle.