Express & Star

Halesowen Carnival welcomes large crowds and famous faces - PICTURES

Roll up, roll up! Thousands of people came to town to enjoy this year's Halesowen Carnival.

Published
Last updated
Sights from the carnival. Picture credit: @snappersk

Former Villa legend Tony Daley and TV weatherman and former EastEnders actor Des Coleman helped open the third festival yesterday.

The event, which is part of the Black Country Festival, includes a food and drink stalls and a dog show.

Halesowen Carnival was revived by campaigner Simon Walker three years ago after he fought for its return following an absence of almost 30 years.

The event now takes place Highfield Park. Crowds enjoyed the event which this year was spread over two fields due to the increasing popularity.

The 'Royal Family' appointed for the carnival this year were recognised for overcoming personal difficulties and for their community work.

Seventeen-year-old Labique Ahmad was crowned king with 20-year-old Meggan Griffin appointed queen. Labique is a student at King Edward College in Stourbridge. He was nominated because of community work he does through his mosque. Meggan raises money for Cancer Research UK and Macmillan in memory of her brother.

Carnival Prince Henry Torrington is a pupil at Lutley Primary School and was nominated because of his bravery in the face of kidney failure. Princess Olivia Hanks has overcome a tragedy.