Black Country Festival to expand presence in other boroughs
The Black Country Festival will seek to expand further outside of its Dudley heartland in future years, organisers have revealed.
Throughout this month events have been taking place to celebrate the Black Country with the flagship 'fun day' held in Dudley on Saturday.
While some are already held outside of Dudley borough, organisers want to increase the number of activities available in Walsall, Sandwell and Wolverhampton.
Billy Spakemon, who helps organise and compere events, said: "Without doubt the Day and the Festival are growing year after year.
"Dudley has taken the mantle from the start and really it looks after itself.
"The work now is we have got to get it out into the other boroughs of Sandwell, Walsall and Wolverhampton and have a focal day in each like the one held in Dudley town centre.
"We want as many people as possible to share in the festival and that is what we are looking at doing in the future."
Events still to be held this year include the Briar Fair in Brierley Hill, a classic car display in Dudley town centre, a 'fun day' at the Dell Stadium and the Coseley Festival.
Asked what makes the Black Country unique from other regions, Mr Spakemon said it was the friendliness of its people.
He added: "To quote a Londoner, he told me that he loved his Regent Park in London, but nobody ever spoke to him.
"When he decided to come here to do some work with Dudley College he got off the train, got a bus to Cradley and by the time he was in Dudley he knew everyone and their entire life stories.
"He felt welcome and that really sums it up. People here are straight as a die and will tell you like it is, but that is it then, move on."
