Black Country Festival: Check out our what's on guide this week
The Black Country Festival boss has called for more boroughs in the area to get involved in the celebrations in the lead up to Black Country Day.
Organisers have confirmed that more than 30,000 people visited Halesowen for the launch of the festival on Saturday June 29, and further high crowds over the weekend means organisers are expecting big numbers in the build up to Black Country Day on July 14.
Last week was packed with events - from the Birmingham Black Country Half Marathon to Halesowen Carnival and Netherton Park Fun Day – and festival chief David Brownhill hopes this year's big day will be better than ever.
He said: "We have started off with a real bang with thousands turning up to our events so far. The glorious weather has made such a difference to what has been the most successful first week or so the festival has had.
"The main event for us is Sunday, where we will be celebrating Black Country Day with the Black Country's answer to Glastonbury - the Himley Hall Musicom.
"It is major events like this which we have really been trying to bring to the festival over the years, and we have high expectations for the day."
While the main event for the festival is on Sunday, the overall celebration runs until the end of the month – with at least one event held every day.
Besides praising the organisers and visitors to the festival so far, David appealed for further support from neighbouring boroughs to get involved.
He added: "People of the Black Country are so proud, especially since our flag was created and gave us more of an identity in 2012.
"But I'd like those who use the flag to their benefit to get involved and show that they really care about the Black Country.
"I want the festival to pull all of the boroughs of the area together."
As well as the Musicom, this weekend sees celebrations of Black Country Day at the New Wellington, a car show in Dudley, and plenty more fun events.
Visit black-country-festival.co.uk for a full list of events this month.
And keep yourself locked to expressandstar.com/bcfestival for coverage of events throughout the month.
Black Country Festival: What's on July 8 - 14
July 8 to 13: Educating Rita at Wolverhampton Grand Theatre. Starring Stephen Thompkinson and Jessica Johnson. Tickets from £14.50. Telephone: 01902 429212.
July 11: Organic Jam Hunt at Katie Fitzgerald, 187 Enville Street, Stourbridge. A feast of music and marmalade from 8.30pm. Telephone: 01384 374410.
July 12: Music Motown Night at Bonded Warehouse, Stourbridge. Cruise the canal to the sound of rock and roll, jazz and more. Tickets are £18 with fish and chips. Telephone: 01384 375912
July 12: Reunion, Back to School Disco at Dudley Civic Hall. Go back to your roots with 80s disco night from 9pm to 1am. Tickets are £5. Telephone: 01384 815577
July 13: Black Country Day at the New Wellington, Brittle Lane, Brierley Hill. Fun and entertainment for the family in aid of Cystic Fibrosis from 12pm to 5pm. Telephone: 01384 76066.
July 13: Black Country Festival and Car Show, Stone Street, Dudley. Celebrating history of the Black Country from 11am to 5pm.
July 13: Bloxwich Bonanza at Bloxwich Park. Summer event including the Best Dog competition and lots of local talent from 12pm. Free entry.
July 13: Turn Back Time tribute night to Cher at Dudley Civic Hall. A tribute not to miss for Cher fans. 8.30pm to 10.30pm. Tickjets available at £18. Telephone: 01384 815577.
July 13 to 14: Wolverhampton Fiesta at West Park. Giant fun fair, tribute acts and hot air balloons from 10am. Tickets are £3 for adults and £2 for children.
July 13: Family fun day at Smethwick Library, High Street. Activities for all the family from 1pm to 2.30pm. Telephone: 01215 694940.
July 13: Friends of Wednesfield Park charity sponsored walk at Wednesfield Park. Sponsorship money goes to your chosen charity. The walk is from 10am to 2pm.
July 13: Shape Youth Festival at Sandwell Valley Country Park. Stalls showcasing what is on offer to young people, and a music stage. 11am to 5pm. Tickets are free.
July 14: Black Country Day barbecue at Sadlers Brewhouse and Bar, Station Drive, Stourbridge. Menu and live music from 12pm to 6pm. Tickets are free. Telephone: 01384 895230.
July 14: Black Country Variety Show at Great Bridge Library. Hosted by The Boonyeds with live music from Alex Vann, The Blue Granits and the Scarbelly Blues. 5.30pm to 7.30pm/ Tickets are £3. Telephone: 01215 694930.
July 14: Classic Motor Show at Walsall Arboretum. A display of pre and post war cars from 10am to 4pm. Tickets are £6 for adults and £3 for children.
July 14: Musicom at Himley Hall, Dudley. Dudley's first Black Country Musicom Festival from 12pm to 7pm. Tickets are only available online at https://www.himleyhallandpark.co.uk/bcmc. Adults are £9 and children are £5, with under fives free.
