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Events taking place to mark Black Country Day

Shehnaz Khan
BBC News, West Midlands
BBC Two women stand on a street holding the flag of the Black Country. The flag is black, white and red with chain representing the region's manufacturing heritage.BBC
The Black Country flag is showing up all over the area, with these residents celebrating in Bilston, Wolverhampton

Celebrations are taking place in the region to commemorate Black Country Day.

The event, held on 14 July each year, has been marked for over a decade to honour the history, heritage and culture of Dudley, Sandwell, Walsall and Wolverhampton.

Louise Harrison, mayor of Walsall, said the day was an opportunity to celebrate the region's "incredible role in shaping the modern world".

The date of 14 July was chosen for its historical significance and coincides with the creation of the world's first successful steam engine, invented by Thomas Newcomen in Dudley in 1712.

Two women are standing in front of a statue in Bilston town centre. They are holding the flag of the Black Country. The flag is black, white and red with chain representing the region's manufacturing heritage.
The occasion celebrates the history and industrial heritage of the region

Councillor Harrison described Walsall as a "creative, diverse and ambitious region".

"From the pioneering Newcomen engine of 1712 to Walsall's proud legacy as the nation's leather capital, our region helped power the Industrial Revolution and left a lasting mark on global history," she added.

In Dudley town centre, residents said they were "very proud" to be living in the Black Country and loved the people and atmosphere.

"It's quite a unique place to live," one woman told BBC Radio WM.

"It's just warm; it's welcoming, wherever you go."

A spokesperson for Dudley Metropolitan Borough Council said the Black Country Flag was "flying proudly" over Council House to mark the occasion.

"There have been tons of fantastic events and activities across the Black Country these past two weeks, and there are lots more coming up for people to enjoy," added Pete Lee, mayor of Dudley.

Dudley Council The flag of the Black Country is flying at the top of a large brick building. The flag is black, white and red with chain representing the region's manufacturing heritage.Dudley Council
The Black Country flag is flying over Council House

Comedian Jonny Cole, who was born in the Black Country, said it was important to celebrate the region.

"It''s a cracking place, and if we can all get together on one day and do it all in one place, then why not?" he said.

He described people's accents in the area and Birmingham as "miles apart".

"There's a big difference between Brummies and Black Country folk. I think we're all brothers and sisters, but there's definitely differences," he said.

Black Country Day runs alongside the Black Country Festival, which takes place throughout the month of July and features dozens of events, musicals and festivals.

Kerrie Carmichael, leader of Sandwell Council, said the borough had grown into an "amazing place to live".

"Its people are genuine, caring, and proper Black Country grafters," she added.

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