Carnival Time 1895

[MorrisNielson]

Its been a while since I posted some nonsense, as we wait for the new season it seems a good time as any to do so.
Now for something a bit different (note I said different, not necessarily interesting!).
I was looking through an old programme 1980-81 which had this old photo, and thought I’ll look into it.
It turns out it was took on 20/02/1895 and it was reported in the 2 main papers the next day.
The newspaper clippings state what’s going on and why so there’s no need for me to explain other than to say it was top notch entertainment for its day.
Just have a look at all the weird and wonderful looking people; the monkey-man looks ace, next to a Spike Milligan/Albert Steptoe look-a-like. Ronald McDonald is there, as is a Sherlock Holmes impersonator type bloke.
All the Villa players are in top hats, and there are a few Villa officials scattered about here and there if you want to look for them Where’s Wally style.
Note as well that the photo was taken in front of the grandstand, which in two and a bit years’ time would be purchased by Small Heath and moved to Coventry Road.

[usav]

Reading that report is like trying to read a different language!