Bilston's Biggest Party in 18 Years Is Today — and It's Completely Free

Get the picnic blanket out — Bilston Carnival returns today for the first time since 2008, and by all accounts the town isn't doing it by halves.

Things kick off with a nod to history: a 1960s-themed parade, marking the decade the carnival first began. It moves off from Broad Street at 11am, winds through Bilston town centre, and arrives at Hickman Park by midday, where the real party starts.

And it doesn't stop until 5pm. The main stage at Hickman Park has live sets from WolvesStock Revival, Bluebird Belles and Dirty Rockin' Scoundrels, while a separate children's stage runs a comedy magic show, a wizard workshop, balloon modelling and interactive storytime. Elsewhere there's arts and crafts, face painting, a Shaun the Sheep-themed 'Farmathlon', and a run of sporting have-a-gos for anyone feeling energetic in the sun.

It's all free, including the food and drink stalls dotted around the park, and organisers are actively encouraging people to bring camping chairs and picnics and settle in for the afternoon. Community station WCR FM will be broadcasting live from the site all day if you want the play-by-play.

The carnival is part of Bilston's wider Pride in Place Regeneration Programme, and council leader Stephen Simkins called it a chance to celebrate 'local pride, creativity and community spirit' — coming, he pointed out, in the same week the town's new market opened its doors. Over the next decade, the programme is also promising improvements to community facilities, public spaces and high streets across the town.

Practically speaking: all parking in Bilston is free today, and visitors are advised to park in the town centre and walk the short distance to Hickman Park, or use the local bus and Metro services. Eighteen years is a long gap between carnivals — worth the walk.