Fizzogs to fly flag at Edinburgh Festival

Key figures behind this year's successful festival were thanked at a civic reception with the Mayor of Dudley.

The Fizzogs are among those who were invited to the reception which praised their role in this year's festival.

The comedy act - who dance dressed as grannies - were recognised for their work since the festival began last year and Mayor Councillor Steve Waltho presented the group with an engraved glass tankard and a framed certificate.

Their antics and appearances at several of this year's events have led the Fizzogs to a spot at this year's Edinburgh Festival.

Councillor Waltho said: "The Black Country festival celebrations have been a highlight of my mayoral year so far and I was delighted to welcome the key players into the parlour to recognise their work.

"I'm also thrilled to have had the opportunity to wish The Fizzogs all the best before they head off to Edinburgh where they will of course be flying the Black Country flag."

Other people honoured at the event included community group members Steve Edwards, James Stevens and Dave Brownhill who have helped drive the festival's success.

The festival across the Black Country featured hundreds of events throughout July including carnivals in Dudley, Halesowen and Stourbridge town centres.

Black Country Day itself was celebrated on July 14 which marks the anniversary of the invention of the world's first steam engine, the Newcomen Engine, created in the Black Country in 1712.

Thousands of proud residents took part in celebrations held in town squares, community centres and local pubs during the month-long festival.

As the self-proclaimed capital of the Black Country, Dudley Council took the lead back in January 2014 by hoisting aloft the Black Country flag from Dudley Town Hall to raise the profile of Black Country Day and the flag has remained there ever since.