St George's Day in the Black Country

Traditional parades and fun days are being staged to celebrate the day on April 23.

Plans are already being made for musical performances, tea dances and parades.

The parade in West Bromwich is thought to be the biggest in the country, with 15,000 people from across the West Midlands turning out last year.

And it will return to the town on April 19, organised by the Stone Cross St George's Association.

The parade leaves Westminster Road in Stone Cross at 10.40am and arrives at Dartmouth Park just before midday.

Veterans from the Royal British Legion will lead the parade into the park. The fun day then runs in the park from noon until 5pm with live local acts on stage, a funfair, charity and information stalls. Admission is free - with a small charge for some activities.

The Manor House Museum in Hall Green Road will also host a free event on April 18 from 11am to 3pm.

There will be live music and a magic act, and the chance to take part in a 'mini Olympics'.

Sandwell Council leader Councillor Darren Cooper said: "These are always popular events and thousands of people are expected to take part. I wish everyone lots of fun and enjoyment as they celebrate St George's Day."

Meanwhile, Sandwell libraries will also be holding events.

Tipton Library hosts a family fun day on April 25 from 10.30am to 1pm with music, poetry, crafts, face-painting and a belly-dancing demonstration.

In Wolverhampton there will be musical performances in Queen Square on April 23 featuring Chris Carmell's New Vintage Jazz Band playing patriotic tunes.

On April 25 the Black Country Brass Band will play to shoppers in Bilston High Street.

And Dudley borough's main celebration will this year be held in Halesowen.

Somers Square will be the main venue for the outdoor activities, with the Cornbow Hall also hosting a tea dance.

The day kicks off at 10.30am with music from band Porky, followed by a performance from Halesowen Scout Band, a sing-along on the main stage with Maggie O'Hara and an official opening by the Mayor of Dudley at noon.

A brass band will play the civic party off and the Sedgley Morris Men will entertain the crowds with some traditional folk dancing.

There will be music and entertainment on the main stage, and there are still slots available for dance groups and choirs interested in performing.

Other attractions include traditional children's rides, a barrel organ, face painting and craft activities.

The popular bake-off competition will return and members of the public are invited to bring along their cakes for judging.

At the library there will be storytelling and children's activities.

And Cornbow Hall will be hosting a free tea dance and taking collections for the Mayor's charities.

There are no road closures planned for the day's activities which will run from 10.30am to 3pm.

Councillor Margaret Aston, Mayor of Dudley, said: "Our St George's Day celebrations are always great fun and provide a fantastic, free day out for all ages as well as bringing extra footfall to the town for our hardworking traders.

"We have lots of activities planned in and around the town centre and I hope that people of all communities and ages come along and join in the fun."

Any groups interested in performing on the main stage should call 01384 815222.

In Stafford scouts, guides and beavers from across the district will parade through the town on April 19.

Birmingham's celebrations will be held in Centenary Square and Chamberlain Square on April 19, followed by a concert in the Symphony Hall at 6pm to raise cash for Troop Aid.

Entertainment will be provided by comedians Malcolm Stent and Don Maclean, along with a range of choirs and concert bands.