THE BLOXIDGE TALLYGRAPH

Bloxwich Carnival 5th August 2006 - what a cracker!

Fairytales come true as the Carnival Parade brings the beach to Bloxwich.

Report by GEORGE JEVONS
Photographs by STUART WILLIAMS
See also Carnival Album 2006 page for more photos.

On Saturday 5th August 2006 Bloxwich’s 54th Carnival came to life.  Crowds watched the crowning of Queen Kirsty Rolston, Princess Natalie Slaney, and Rosebud Mia Ford and the presentation of medals to twelve local primary school children.  Their school chose these ambassadors, because of their attitude and character, to represent their school, town and community. 

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Carnival Queen Kirsty Rolston is crowned by David Winnick, MP.



The Carnival Queen and her entourage. 
L to R:  Mia Ford, Kirsty Rolston, Natalie Slaney, Samantha Badger.




Councillor Ken Worley (Carnival Chairman) and Deputy Mayor Melvin Pitt open
Bloxwich Carnival while young Carnival Ambassadors look on.

On Parade

Emile Fisher, Olivia Perry (both from Lower Farm), Stuart Forsyth, Danielle Marriot (both from Green Rock), Lewis Harrison, Sophie Gunter (both from Christ Church), Ryan Law, Megan Morris (both from Blakenall Heath), Liam Miner, Natasha Steane (both from Elmore Green), Callam Perry and Lauren Spooner (both from Abbey) joined the Queen’s party and local V.I.P’s to lead a parade of floats that brightened the weather with decorations of exotic beach parties, enchanted fairies and cut-throat pirates (to rival Captain Jack Sparrow and Captain Hook!!!).

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Carnival Queen Kirsty Rolston and Princess Natalie Slaney take pride of
place in the re-instated Bloxwich Carnival Parade on 5th August 2006.



Silver Shadows step out in style on High Street



Piratical antics on the Compton Hospice float with Darren Simpson, Connor McCormac, Debbie Marson and Hanna Hussain



Electric Palace party on in Caribbean style despite the clouds!



1st Bloxwich Scouts, Cubs & Beavers get into character on 'Scoutville'.



Lower Farm Primary School's prize-winning 'World of Peter Pan' float.



Captain Hook and henchpersons on the Lower Farm Primary School float!

Down King George's!

After the parade the crowds made their way to King George V Memorial Playing Fields where there was a varied programme of events including James Dylan's Stuntworld, an international daring stunt act, dog teams and displays of music and dance from New Deal’s dance team, Walsall Coronets, Silver Shadows, and Royal Premiers.  Around the arena there were local voluntary charity group stalls and displays. This community village will continue to be an important part of the fun of the carnival and provides the groups with the opportunity for fund raising for their own needs.

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All the fun of the fair at King George's with Pat Collins - who else?



Explosive action from Stuntworld by James Dylan.



Doggie action heroes courtesy of K9 Krazy supporting the Blue Cross.



Great drumming from Walsall Coronets Junior Marching Band.

Senior Citizens' fun

What is not often realised is that Bloxwich carnival is a two-day event.  On the Friday afternoon 200 senior citizens were entertained by music from the Pat Collins Fairground Organ followed by a concert from Tony Soccie & Son, with tea and cakes served by volunteers including New Deal’s Wardens, Bloxwich Towns Women’s Guild, and Bloxwich Carnival Committee.  This year a donation was also received from the Robert Parker Charity. Walsall Community Transport provides transport.  The Portman Building Society provides the marquee.  This afternoon of entertainment is one of the highlights of the year for many people and is awaited with great enjoyment, not only because of the entertainment, but because it is an opportunity to meet long lost friends.

Carnival success!

Early indications are that the raffle, programme advertisers, parade collections and entrance fees from this year’s Carnival has raised sufficient monies to fund the 55th Carnival in 2007.  The Carnival is a non-profit making community activity run by volunteers. The committee meets throughout the year to plan the carnival, which will promote the area and community spirit across Bloxwich, Blakenall and Leamore. New members are always welcome.

CONTACT BLOXWICH CARNIVAL COMMITTEE:  bloxwichcarnival@yahoo.co.uk

PHOTO NOTE:  A larger selection of images may be viewed in the Carnival Album 2006 section of The Bloxidge Tallygraph, so look there if your group is not shown on this page.

Far too many photos were taken by The Edditer at Bloxwich Carnival to show on this website!  A CD of all photos taken is being given to the Carnival Committee, c/o George Jevons, Vice Chair, and to the Borough Archives at Walsall Local History Centre.  Copyright reserved Stuart Williams © 2006.