CROWDS flocked to Shirley Park on Saturday for the Shirley Lions Carnival and were entertained by a full programme of acts.
The annual carnival was cancelled last year and then delayed this year due to Covid but with the easing of restrictions the public were obviously keen to get out into the fresh air to celebrate and enjoy the sunshine.
Top of the billing was Dangerous Steve who wowed the crowds by performing spectacular stunts with fire, trick motorbike and quad bike riding and balancing acts.
He was supported by the Shirley Pipe Band, and local dance and singing groups including J D Dance Vibe and Solihull Rock Choir, plus Punch and Judy were there to delight the children.
The carnival was opened by the Mayor of Solihull Councillor Ken Meeson accompanied by his wife Mayoress Annette.
They were delighted to see so many people attending and walked around the many stalls accompanied by Shirley Lions President Mark Stokes.
“We are hoping to have raised much needed funds for our charitable activities which have been severely curtailed over the last 18 months due the pandemic,” said Mark.
“Whilst we have been able to carry out several food collections for the local food bank there has been little opportunity for fund raising. Let’s hope our activities can now return to normal so we can help the local community again.”
Many other charities had stalls and were also able to raise much needed funds themselves, including Solihull Wheels for All, a local charity that enables people with physical or learning difficulties to be able to learn to ride a bicycle.
They have a range of specially adapted cycles one of which was provided by Shirley Lions a few years ago from funds raised from events like the carnival.
