Coffin Race to be resurrected this Black Country Day for first time in 12 years

The tongue-in-cheek event, related to a historical event in Dudley, will see teams supplied with an empty coffin for the race which they will run with through the town in timed heats.

Dudley Borough Council, which is organising the race, says the event is 'a humorous re-enactment of an English Civil War event'.

'In 1646 Cavalier and Roundhead armies called a temporary ceasefire to allow the body of Mistress Beaumont to be carried from Dudley Castle to Top Church for burial,' says a statement from the authority.

'The race is being brought back to life this year to cover part of the original historic route and will take place in Dudley near the fountain.'

On Black Country Day, held on on July 14, there will also be a craft market in Stone Street, as well as a wrestling ring and a display of vintage cars.

Looking ahead to the race, Mayor of Dudley Councillor Alan Taylor says he hopes people will enter and make the day 'real fun'.

"This is the first time since 2006 that this event has taken place and what better way of re-introducing it than on Black Country Day," he added.

Register by emailing the team name, and the team captain's name and phone number to coffinrace@dudley.gov.uk by Thursday, July 12.