MORE than 100 people rallied to give Halesowen Carnival plans a much-needed boost on Saturday.

The fun day at the Hasbury Inn was hailed a success by organisers and £150 was raised towards the cost of reviving the event after an absence of almost 30 years.

Several bands and singers provided entertainment as they auditioned for a spot at the carnival, planned for Saturday July 4 at Huntingtree Park.

There were stalls, face painting, an auction and raffle to raise money towards the cost of the event, which organisers plan to scale down after missing out on a £5,000 grant bid.

Plans to include a street parade of floats have been scrapped, although carnival chairman Simon Walker said one would be organised for 2016.

Mr Walker said: “Some activities at the event are still to be confirmed but there will be an arena, live music, performers, fun fair and various stalls and activities.” Last week, the Halesowen North and South Community Forum rejected a grant application fearing the plans were too ambitious.

But organisers were urged to apply to the June meeting in the hope that plans would be more certain and when more funds would be available.

Mr Walker said Saturday’s fun day and a quiz night at the Hagley Road pub on Friday night had been so successful they were going to be repeated.

Another quiz will be held there on Friday April 17 at 7.30pm and a fun day on Sunday May 3 from noon. Anyone willing to help with the carnival or with fundraising can contact the committee at halesowencarnival@gmail.com