The day began with a 1960s-themed parade featuring vintage vehicles, community groups, local organisations and schoolchildren dressed in costumes inspired by the decade.
Thousands of spectators lined the streets and filled Bilston town centre to cheer on the procession before festivities continued at Hickman Park.
Celebrations continued at Hickman Park, with visitors saying: “Great community effort and brilliant turn out” and “I thoroughly enjoyed seeing the parade, it brought back many happy memories.”
The annual carnival, last staged in 2008, was bought back by popular demand as part of a wider package of events driven by the town’s Pride in Place Regeneration Programme.
Councillor Stephen Simkins, City of Wolverhampton Council Leader and member of the Bilston Pride in Place Board, said: “Bilston Carnival was a fantastic event and as a local, I was proud that the community came together and supported the return of the famous Carnival.
“It was wonderful to see so many people line the streets and have fun at Hickman Park. Thank you to our sponsors, City of Wolverhampton College and Brewers Decorator centres”.
Councillor Simkins added “We are already planning next year’s Carnival and want to have even more of the local community getting involved. We encourage local community groups, organisations, businesses, charities, performers and schools to get involved to make next year’s event all the more successful.”
Anyone wishing to register their interest for next year’s Bilston Parade should email bilstoncarnival@wolverhampton.gov.uk
