Mayor looks forward to biggest-ever Black Country Festival
The Mayor of Dudley is encouraging the borough to come together in celebration as the biggest-ever Black Country Festival begins this weekend.
A varied programme of community events is taking place across the region this summer, beginning at Himley Hall and Park with Under 5s Day on Friday and Armed Forces Day on Sunday.
The weekend of Black Country Day on Sunday 14 July promises a packed schedule of events, including the return of the Dudley Grand Prix cycling event on Friday 12 July and the two-day Black Country Musicom Festival.
Top tribute acts and a rock symphony orchestra will lead a weekend of fun in the sun as the popular Musicom event returns to Himley Park. The artists performing include tributes to Taylor Swift, Bruno Mars, Michael Bublé, Fleetwood Mac and Madness.
The highlights of the festival also include the first Dudley Pride celebration on Saturday 20 July on Stone Street Square in Dudley town centre, headlined by RuPaul’s Drag Race UK star Baga Chipz.
Dudley Council House has been draped in Black Country flag bunting to mark the occasion as the festival celebrates its tenth anniversary.
Councillor Hilary Bills, the Mayor of Dudley, said:
“The Black Country Festival is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate our region’s unique local culture and heritage.
“There has been a substantial funding boost for this year’s festival, which means it will be bigger and better than ever. Many of the events will also be free of charge to attend, helping more people to join in with the fun.
“I hope that our borough residents will continue to show the fantastic support that has allowed the festival to reach its tenth year. I’m looking forward to attending as many of the events as I can and joining the celebrations with you!”
The festival has been funded by the West Midlands Combined Authority through the Commonwealth Games Legacy Enhancement Fund.
For a full list of events, visit the Black Country Festival website.
Photo caption: The Mayor of Dudley, Councillor Hilary Bills, and her consort and husband John Bills, wave the Black Country flag from the balcony of Dudley Council House.