Walsall’s Mayor, Pete Smith, climbed off the fence and came to audition for the part of Mr. Beige in the new production of Barr Beacon Reservoir Dogs.

Well, today was the day – and as it happened, it was a great event. Brownhills Canalside Festival was back for 2014 – and it’s very clear indeed that with Brian Stringer at the helm, it was a much better affair than the washout of 2013.

I genuinely enjoyed it today – and there were plenty of folk there, too – including a few old mates; plenty to look at and do, and some really great music and entertainment to boot.

I particularly liked the Bird of Prey display, by the same folks who did the one at the Christmas event last year – Armitage Bird of Prey Centre. That Eagle Owl. Just look at the feet!

The young David Evans also popped along, and this is a mixture of his and my photos. He really did a spiffing job, whereas mine are more… irreverent.

Seriously, though, a great event, and thanks to Brian, Brenda and all the local committee for doing us proud – and of course to the boaters, stallholders and general public who came out too!

Same place next year? It’s a deal…

Image courtesy David Evans.

Dom and the winniners of the drawing competition.

Image courtesy David Evans.

Image courtesy David Evans.

Image courtesy David Evans.

Ace pedalcar on the IAM stall

Image courtesy David Evans.

Image courtesy David Evans.

Image courtesy David Evans.

That clown – Mad Dom – was brilliant.

Nearly, but not quite.

Image courtesy David Evans.

Image courtesy David Evans.

‘Right, another hour of this and time for a long-ass lunch’

Boater dog.

Image courtesy David Evans.

Image courtesy David Evans.

Loved this pirate.

Nice to see the canalside so busy

The Jazz band were ace…

Image courtesy David Evans.

Croc canoe – how ace!

Always new paradise was near Brierly Hill…

Mmm. Cake.

Image courtesy David Evans.

Image courtesy David Evans.

Image courtesy David Evans.

Image courtesy David Evans.

Image courtesy David Evans.

Now that is serious beardage.

Loved these wee fellows.

We all love Hekta!

Image courtesy David Evans.

Image courtesy David Evans.

Image courtesy David Evans.

There was some great beard action afoot.

The Pelsall Ladies Choir assemble prior to their passport check