ORGANISERS are keeping their fingers crossed that crowds will enjoy fun in the sun at Halesowen Carnival on Saturday.

The free community event kicks off at noon with a funfair, stalls and a full afternoon of entertainment, marking the launch of the Black Country Festival.

The carnival was revived last year, after an absence of almost 30 years, and was an immediate hit.

The organising committee is hoping this year’s will be even bigger and better and is bringing in a second stage to pack in as many live acts as possible.

Among the highlights will be popular local band Rock Solid, rapper Smithy, Habibi Belly Dancers and Startime Variety.

There will also be a Viking camp site staged by re-enactment group Jorvik Vikingr, a dog show – which people can enter their pooches on the day with categories including the waggiest tail, beer tent and various food stalls. Vice chairman Karen Dunham said: “We are passionate about the carnival being a free event for all he family and hope there will be attractions to interest everyone.

“The weather last year was superb, and we are keeping fingers crossed that the sun will shine again.”

The carnival king and queen, 16-year-olds Julian Southall and Rabiya Rahman along with attendants Melinda Griffin, aged 12, and Isabelle Young, aged 10, are looking forward to their big day as VIPs.

Lutley Primary School pupil Freya Teese, aged nine, won a competition to design the programme cover for the event with a colourful Viking theme.

Dudley mayor Mohammed Hanif and his wife mayoress Zabeda Khanam will officially open the carnival at the park, off Highfield Lane. Mrs Durham thanked businesses for sponsoring the carnival, which relies on voluntary help, including Halesowen Motor House, Arc Interior Solutions, Ultimate Worktops and Nash Warren Insurance Services.