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1875: County Express, Saturday 4 September.
LOWER GORNAL.
Pic Nic. -The above pic-nic was held on Monday last, by the kind permission of John Newey, Esq., in the beautiful grounds adjoining the Straits House, Lower Gornal. The proceedings of the day commenced by a procession through Lower Gornal and district, by the South Staffordshire Victoria Brass Band, and through Sedgley and district by the South Staffordshire Victoria Flute and Drum Band, of Ruiton. Fortunately the weather was all that could be desired. The programme of the day consisted of selections popular music by the Sedgley Hand Bell Ringers, The Gornal Wood Glee Union enlivened the proceedings of the day. The great sensationalists, the Bros. Vollino and Felix, performed their wondrous athletic and gymnastic novelties during the day. There were balloon ascents at intervals, and there was grand illumination and display of fireworks, under the superintendence of J. Wilder, of Birmingham. Great credit is due to the above gentleman for such a display on this occasion. The music performed by the bands reflected great credit upon them. The refreshments were provided Mr Hickman, of the Straits. The committee beg to thank the friends who so generously supported them on the above occasion, the object of which is to raise funds for the purpose of giving the children of the Methodist New Connexion School an excursion early next Spring. Notwithstanding a great deal of opposition, it was a grand success.
Gornal Carnival.
The Lower Gornal annual carnival procession was a very popular event during the 20th Century, as it was with all other local areas, unfortunately, these petered out during the late 1970s, undoubtedly due to safety concerns.
The carnival processions were often grouped with those of Upper Gornal and Sedgley.
One such event which seemed to top all others, was that of 1931 Gornal Carnival, which included that of Upper Gornal and Sedgley districts.
Contemporary reports state that "Practically every street in Lower Gornal was transformed into a veritable fairy land by means of flowers and bunting and the 300 gaily-bedecked collectors."
Crowds of 8000 spectators gathered to see the procession, which started out from Brookdale and stretched for more than a mile. Lower Gornal Excelsior Prize band led the way, with a dozen other jazz and marching bands joining in.
More than fifty Tableaux were in the display, themes included, "Sultan's Harem"; "Uncle Tom's Cabin"; "House Hunting"; "Night in Venice"; "Melody Breakers", to mention a just a few.
Collectors dressed in amazing costumes, among them, a 'Zulu Warrior' and 'The Queen of Sheba', many other fancy dress characters toured the district.
The procession starting from Brookdale marched through Brook Street, New Street, Louise Street, Summit Place, Bull street, Five ways, Ruiton Street thence to Upper Gornal via Hill Street, Hermit Row, Pale Street, Kent Street and onwards to Sedgley.
Reports of the time said that in places, the pavements were occupied eight deep!
Over £500 was raised during the event.
At Lower Gornal in the evening, 'Roastings' took place, pigs and sheep being given by local butchers, the night being accompanied by the Lower Gornal Wesleyan Band.
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