THOUSANDS of people turned up to support the tenth anniversary of Brierley Hill’s Festival of Water and Light.

The theme this year of “What a Wonderful World” was hailed a great success, as narrowboats were decorated to represent different countries across the globe.

Boats were decorated by community groups to represent countries and continents such as America, Africa, Iceland, Scotland and India.

Around 15,000 people support the festival, which ended with a spectacular firework display that lit up the sky.

The event held on Sunday october 5, saw the Waterfront being transformed with an Italian theme to represent Venice.

The Mayor of Dudley, cllr Ray Burston, helped judge the best dressed boat competition, with Brierley Hill Operatic Society being awarded first and third places for their boats- decorated as Mexico and China.

Bromley Primary School were awarded second prize for their boat decorated with a UK theme.

The event was free and featured live music from group- UXL and Lucid and singer- songwriter Liam Kane, as well as performances from Brierley Hill Musical Theatre, Ashaki belly dancers, Stourton Starlet cheerleaders and Bromley Primary School choir.

The Mayor of Dudley, cllr Ray Burston, said: “It was wonderful to see so many people turn out to join in the fun to ensure the tenth anniversary was bigger and better than ever before.

“I would like to congratulate all the community groups for the way in which they took on the challenge of decorating their narrowboats so beautifully.”

The Dudley Council Festival of Water of Light was organised by CCEM and was also supported and sponsored by Advantage West Midlands, Brierley Hill Regeneration Partnership, Initial Eaton and Heart FM.