THOUSANDS of people turned out to yesterday’s Stourbridge Carnival and the Black Country Festival which were bathed in sunshine for most of the day.

The events, which joined forces for the second year running, packed out the town centre streets – much to the delight of the organisers and traders.

Displays by dance, martial arts and performance groups, including world famous comedy stars The Fizzogs, kept crowds entertained around the main area while BMX stunt riders wowed visitors in the Ryemarket courtyard.

The town was also awash with a variety of stalls including a vintage fair in Lower High Street, which also hosted a classic car display, plus fun fair rides for kids, street entertainers, live music – and a section dedicated to Black Country Festival celebrations in Coventry Street and Duke Street.

Carnival organiser David Harcourt said: “It was as busy if not busier than last year – the Black Country Festival certainly added another dimension to the day.”

A record numbers of youngsters took part in the annual News Group sponsored Stourbridge Carnival Princess competition which kicked off carnival proceedings at around 10.30am.

Around 30 pretty little misses turned out to vie for the princess and rosebud titles - which were judged by Stourbridge's very own salsa gran Paddy Jones.

Torrance Cooper, aged three, from Wollescote, was named winner of the Rosebud competition, while Luccia Wootton, aged eight, from Quarry Bank, won the princess title – and both were invited to walk in the traditional parade around the town centre.

The ATC band and Black Country Festival team picked up awards for their entries in the parade which this year had a ‘through the ages’ theme – but Fantasy Dance Group once again walked away with the top Percy Oakley trophy for best entry.

Mr Harcourt said: “They’ve won over so many years. They are consistently of a high standard and always impress the judges.”

An outburst of heavy rain and a freak gust of wind stopped play for a short spell in the afternoon and sent an inflatable slide, shop advertising boards and wares from stalls flying but Mr Harcourt said “everybody went to help and we survived it”.

“People didn’t go home. They escaped the rain for three quarters of an hour and went in pubs and cafes and after it dried up they were back outside.”

To see more pictures from the event click here.