People across the West Midlands are being invited to celebrate their community as part of the Mayor’s Community Weekend 2019.

There will be 160 National Lottery-funded events around the region during the Mayor’s Community Weekend on Saturday 29th June and Sunday 30th June 2019.

Events include a “Chirish” event between the Chinese and Irish community in Birmingham, a hands-on art event in Dudley town centre, a fun day at Sandwell fire station, a Windrush celebration in Wolverhampton and a Mad Hatter’s Tea Party in Solihull.

Black Country Radio will be getting involved with events on both days - a fun day in Halesowen Town Centre on Saturday afternoon followed by Armed Forces Day at Himley Hall, for which the station is the headline sponsor.

The weekend is being staged for the second year, thanks to a partnership between the West Midlands Combined Authority and The National Lottery Community Fund, the largest funder of community activity in the UK who have donated £80,000 to community groups across the West Midlands to help cover the cost of events during the weekend. Mayor of the West Midlands Andy Street said:

“Last year, more than 10,000 people took part in events to celebrate the Community Weekend. Thanks to National Lottery players, £80,000 has been made available for community groups for this year’s event, and I’m hoping that means even more people can get involved in parties, barbecues, activities and events on their doorstep.

“There is great community spirit in the West Midlands, and the Community Weekend gives everyone the chance to come together and celebrate their neighbourhoods. I’m really looking forward to getting out and about across the region to meet the thousands of people who help to make the West Midlands the best community in the country.”

Following the huge success of the first Mayor’s Community Weekend last year, communities were invited to apply for grants of up to £500 each to hold a celebratory event. After a positive response from people across the region, an extra £25,000 of National Lottery funding has been awarded compared to last year, so even more celebrations can take place this summer. Matt Poole, Senior Head of Regional Funding for the Midlands at The National Lottery Community Fund, said:

“It’s fantastic to see people coming together again this year for the Mayor’s Community Weekend, thanks to National Lottery players. We’re looking forward to seeing people’s ideas come to life to celebrate their community for what is set to be another memorable weekend.

"People from all walks of life, who live side-by-side every day, will be able to join forces to celebrate their experiences, improving mental health and reducing loneliness.” 

The National Lottery Community Fund distributes money raised by National Lottery players for good causes. Last year it awarded over half a billion pounds and supported over 11,000 projects across the UK for health, education, environment and charitable purposes - 90% of these grants were for under £10,000.

A full list of Mayor’s Community Weekend events for 2019 is available on an interactive map at wmca.org.uk/mcw.