Black Country Festival 2016 begins with bostin' carnivals

The festival officially started with the Mayor of Dudley's annual cricket match on Friday night and was followed by carnivals in Sedgley and Halesowen on Saturday, along with Cradley Heath chainmakers festival, where hundreds of people gathered.

The TUC and Sandwell Council-led event saw market stalls, fairground rides, live music, dance and speeches brought to the centre of the town.

Meanwhile a mural of the town's significant buildings and personalities painted by local artist Maren Lilley was unveiled on the bypass at the Fox Oak Street Business Units.

• Photos from Cradley Heath chainmakers festival:

The chainmakers festival is just one of dozens of independently organised events that makes up the Black Country Festival.

The regional event is supported by Dudley, Wolverhampton, Sandwell and Walsall councils and runs throughout July, encompassing the official Black Country Day on July 14.

Miss Black Country, Abigail Cutler, was at Dudley Castle with organiser James Stevens to raise the Black Country flag on Friday.

Ms Cutler said: "It was a real honour to be part of starting such a huge event and be able to raise the flag as a symbol of pride in the Black Country.

Councillor Pete Lowe, leader of Dudley Council, added : "This is a great opportunity for everyone to celebrate where they live and work.

"The Black Country is steeped in history and has an ambitious future and the flag flying is a reminder to us all about everything that is great about this area."

July 1: The Mayor of Dudley's annual charity cricket match at Stourbridge Cricket Club, from 6pm.

July 2: Sedgley Carnival at Queen Victoria School, Bilston Street, from 11am-5pm.

On the same day people will be heading to Halesowen for the town's carnival from noon-6pm.

July 3: Halesowen will be hosting the Black Country Road Run where people will be taking part in either 10k or 5k runs.

Stourbridge Carnival will take place from 10am-6pm and includes a market, street entertainment and much more.

Wall Heath Summer Carnival will be on in the High Street, from noon-5pm,

July 9: Wordsley Festival will be at King George V park, with Gornal fun day on the same day from noon-4pm at the recreation ground in The Quarry Vale Street.

The Black Country Fayre organised by the Halesowen and Rowley Regis Rotary Club takes place on the same day in Somers Square, from 9.30am-4pm, with Netherton Park Fun day also on July 9 from 9am-5pm.

July 10: Brockmoor and Pensnett Black Country Fun Day will be at the Dell Stadium, from 1-5pm.

For full event listings go to black-country-festival.co.uk