The Mayor of Dudley is set to a judge a colourful boat competition at this year’s Festival of Water and Light.

Community groups from across the borough, including charities such as PROUD, PDSA and Compton Hospice and local primary schools like Bromley Primary School and Lutley Primary School have taken on the task of decorating narrowboats for this year’s event.

The theme of the 10th anniversary event is ‘What a wonderful world’ and the boats will be decorated to represent different countries and continents across the globe.

The Mayor of Dudley, Councillor Ray Burston, will judge the competition for the best dressed boat at the event on October 5.

The Mayor of Dudley, Councillor Ray Burston, said:“I’m very excited about going along to this year’s festival and judging the boat competition.

“Each year the standard of decoration on the boats seems to improve and with this year’s theme I imagine there will be some very colourful and imaginative decorations.”

Meanwhile organisers are appealing to local businesses to donate £1,000 in sponsorship to the event to become a ‘festival angel’.

Companies taking part will receive tickets to the VIP event reception and mentions from the main stage.

The event is free to attend and will include the traditional colourful boat parade as well as live music, dance groups, a funfair and craft exhibitions.

Radio station Heart FM will return as this year’s media partner following their huge success last year.

Companies wanting to sponsor the event can contact event organisers CCEM on 08707 449701 or email admin@ccem.co.uk