THE countdown is under way for an event in Brierley Hill which will end with a spectacular firework finale.

Thousands of visitors are expected at the Festival of Water and Light at the Waterfront on Sunday October 5, which this year is celebrating its 10th anniversary.

The event, which runs from 2.30pm to 8.30pm, will see the site at the Merry Hill Shopping Centre transformed to represent the Italian city of Venice in keeping with the show’s theme - ‘What a wonderful world’.

Narrowboats will be decorated by community groups to represent countries and continents such as America, Africa, Iceland, Scotland, India.

Councillor Malcolm Knowles, cabinet member for economic regeneration, said: “I hope as many people as possible will take the opportunity to go along to an event that attracts thousands of people year on year.

“It’s great to see that the event has been sponsored by local businesses such as Initial and Eaton and I would like to thank them for their support in helping to ensure this 10th anniversary event is bigger and better than ever before.”

Entrance to the event is free and visitors will be able to enjoy live music from bands UXL and Lucid along with singer-songwriter Liam Kane.

Attractions will also include performances from Brierley Hill Musical Theatre Company, the Ashaki Belly Dancers, the Stourton Starlets cheerleaders and Bromley Primary School choir.

Budding photographers can enter the festival’s photography competition by sending their pictures of the event to organisers.

First place will win a set of four tickets to see either Evita or Angelina Ballerina at the Grand Theatre in Wolverhampton.

Second place is a family ticket for four to Cadbury’s World and a family pass to Dudley Zoological Gardens.

The third place prize is a family ticket for up to five (two adults and three children) to the Black Country Living Museum.

Entrants should send their pictures to dfwlphoto@ccem.co.uk before the closing date of October 17.