STOURBRIDGE Carnival drew record crowds thanks to the sun putting in an appearance after a dreary and rainy last few weeks.
The annual family fun event, which this year had a sports theme in honour of the Rio Olympics and Euro 2016, saw thousands of people descend on the town centre yesterday (Sunday July 3).
Organiser David Harcourt said: "After three weeks of very poor weather the sun finally came out for Carnival Sunday and the community responded magnificently.
"I do believe the turn out was the biggest we have ever seen in the history of this town carnival."
For the second year running - the carnival was held jointly with the Black Country Festival which saw Black Country themed entertainment and stalls laid on in Coventry Street area of town.
Mr Harcourt described the double whammy event as a "great carnival and Black Country Festival day" and he thanked all those who helped make it a success.
Proceedings got underway in the morning with the traditional Stourbridge Carnival Princess and Rose Bud competition which saw Stourbridge youngster Ellie McQueen walk away with the top prize.
The ten-year-old Greenfield Primary School pupil (pictured centre with pink sash below) won the Princess title - while Zoe Jeffs, aged eight, from Kingswinford, (pictured front, third from right), was named runner-up.
Meanwhile - six-year-old Peters Hill Primary School pupil Lily Massey won the Rose Bud title, and four-year-old Lacey Tromans from Amblecote was named runner-up. Both are pictured below with Cllr Nic Barlow, one of the judges.
The winners and runners-up scooped cash prizes and a photo shoot at Portraits by Hart in Lye, while all entrants walked away with a goody bag.
Later on - the Mayor of Dudley, Lye and Stourbridge North councillor Mohammed Hanif (pictured below), officially opened the event following the traditional parade through the town.
Stourbridge Rugby Football Club's entry won the top prize while St Thomas's Church Cub Group was voted runner-up.
Attractions throughout the town included fun fair rides for children, a host of stalls, facepainting, live music, dance and martial arts displays.
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