THE CROWDS flocked to Bromsgrove earlier today for the return of the Bromsgrove Carnival after an absence of three years.
Picture by Tristan Harris. Copyright Bullivant Media.
The parade of lorry and walking floats began at midday from School Drive and was themed on the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games which is now less than a fortnight away.
Picture by Tristan Harris. Copyright Bullivant Media.
Each float represented a country, including Fairfield First School (Australia), Millfields First School (New Zealand) and Amber Support Services (Jamaica).
Picture by Tristan Harris. Copyright Bullivant Media.
Alongside the Libby Mae’s Little Angels’ float walked Luke Miller with baby Annie-Rose Miller who was born at just 29 weeks – she may not be here today if it was not for the Bromsgrove charity and the first specialist incubator she was put in was funded by the organisation.
Picture by Tristan Harris. Copyright Bullivant Media.
Mum Sarah Cook had Preeclampsia during her pregnancy. Annie Rose is now four months old and doing well.
Picture by Tristan Harris. Copyright Bullivant Media.
The best lorry float went to Bromsgrove Scouts and the best walking float went to the Stage Door Dance Academy. In true carnival spirit Martina Ponsonby, the principal of the troupe said she wanted to share it with the other ‘fantastic’ dance group – SJP Theatre Arts.
Picture by Tristan Harris. Copyright Bullivant Media.
SJ, who runs SJP, said: “It has been amazing – more than 100 dancers have taken part and – because of what we’ve been through during the last three years – this was the first time for a lot of them and they have loved every minute of it.”
Picture by Tristan Harris. Copyright Bullivant Media.
As the floats snaked through the town centre, it was clear the event had been missed as residents had come out in their thousands.
Picture by Tristan Harris. Copyright Bullivant Media.
In Sanders Park there was the carnival arena, featuring live music and dancers, wrestling, plenty of stalls, street food and a fairground.
Picture by Tristan Harris. Copyright Bullivant Media.
Then at 5pm the children’s fun run challenge is taking place, where under-eights will run 800metres and under-11s will run 1,500metres around the Park before collecting their medals.
This will be followed by the popular Timberhonger 10k challenge from 6pm as well as a 5k event starting 10 minutes later that will be new for this year.
The challenge will start and finish at Sanders Park and will see participants go through picturesque country roads, with many testing hills.
Picture by Tristan Harris. Copyright Bullivant Media.
Adam Lote, one of the Bromsgrove Carnival organising committee, said: “The turn-out has been incredible – I’m lost for words.
“To see the crowds six or seven deep as we went through the town centre was absolutely amazing.
Picture by Tristan Harris. Copyright Bullivant Media.
“We’re back, we’re bigger and better than ever and I want to say a special thank you to everyone who helped organise it, all the volunteers and to everyone who came out today for all their support.”
