THE sun was out and so were the crowds as thousands of Kidderminster carnival-goers enjoyed a day of activities, entertainment and a newly revived parade.

The event, which helped raise money for Wyre Forest Nightstop and Mediation Service, took place in Brinton Park on Saturday. Also part of the day was a parade from Lister Road, which featured the First Kidderminster Boys' and Girls' Brigade Band, classic police cars and a number of walking groups including Just Dance and the Railway Children Day Care Centre.

This year's carnival court - queen Jessica Campbell, princess Paige Rundle and rosebuds Millie Hodgkins and Alice Hickey, wearing dresses provided by the Wedding Rooms - also took part riding in open-topped luxury cars, courtesy of Simmerfield-based SJ Rayner.

The parade was judged by Kidderminster Mayor Mike Price, with winner for best group going to Seventh Kidderminster Rainbows (St Chad's) and the best individual was Alfie Hodgkins, five, who dressed as a garden gnome. The winners received £25 each.

Mr Price said: "The event was really good, well attended and the weather helped. The procession was also well attended with a lot of people lining the streets, so all praise to all the carnival organisers and hopefully a lot of people made a lot of money on the charity stalls.

"As mayor you are there with the other mayors and chairman of Wyre Forest District Council and it was an honour to be asked to go as a mayor as a guest of the carnival committee. I thoroughly enjoyed it."

Entertainment on the band stand included Kidderminster's Got Talent.

Showcase organiser Sarah Cousin said: "It was a big success, with quite a few people sitting to watch the showcase from start to finish, as well as many stopping to listen for a while before moving on to other attractions.

"All the performers were well received - in fact they didn't want to leave - with the final act, singer/guitarist Jake Leighton, being persuaded back for an encore."

Also taking part in the show were Time of the Mouth, Alicia Heathcock, Unknown First, Ellisha Green, That's My Secret, Captain and the Karpet Kickers.

Children's entertainers Steve Harley, Ronnie Crackers and Punch and Judy provided shows for the youngsters bwhile crowds in the main arena watched the Boys' Brigade band, Just Dance, Toni-Jayne Bouncer's Zumba sessions, J's Top Rockin' Hop Hop, Splinters Dance Studio and Bliss Gate dog training obedience team.

Jennings Brothers fairground proved popular and so did the quad bikes, mini Land Rovers and bouncy castle.

Money raised for Nightstop is still being counted.

Carnival committee chairman Colin Hill said: "It was a brilliant day, the weather made it. There were good crowds, the sun was out and everybody felt happy."

In the programme prize draw, first prize of £75 went to number 1639 while the second was 1061, earning £25. To claim, call Mr Hill on 01562 751634.

TO VIEW A WEB GALLERY OF THE EVENT CLICK HERE.