THOUSANDS of people turned out for a special celebratory Stourbridge Carnival yesterday (Sunday July 2).

The popular family event drew crowds galore into the town centre where they were entertained by a variety of performers, dance and fitness displays, stilt walkers and other attractions.

A host of stalls selling gifts and refreshments lined the High Street, with plenty more in Coventry Street - as part of the Black Country Festival which ran alongside the carnival.

Organiser David Harcourt said: "I think the day was one of the best ever, we had a huge amount of people from early on - with a lot on offer for all the visitors."

This year's event had a 'celebration' theme - paying tribute to the carnival’s heydays of the 1980s when the fun-day would kick off with a huge procession of floats sailing through the streets.

The theme also marked the 100th anniversary of the Lions community fundraising organisation and the 20th birthday of Stourbridge’s award-winning theatre group Side by Side whose entry was voted winner of the traditional foot parade through the town.

The Thorns Community College Drum Band was named runner-up in the parade which was led by Kingswinford ATC band.

Meanwhile - Peter's Hill Primary School pupil Lily Perry, aged ten, from Amblecote, won the Stourbridge Carnival Princess competition, and seven-year-old Kasie Burns, from Wollaston, walked away with the runner-up prize.

Amblecote Primary School youngster Lacey Troman, aged five, from Wordsley, won the Rosebud title, while Hollie Willetts, aged six, from Wordsley, was named runner-up - and all entrants went home with a goody bag.

Black Country comedy stars The Fizzogs, also known as the dancing grannies, once again wowed the crowds with their hilarious routines in the main arena which also hosted performances by Stourbridge Dance Academy, Stagecoach, Academy Martial Arts and a variety of other groups throughout the day.

Other attractions included fun fair rides and classic cars.