A new Black Country hub has opened at the Merry Hill Centre to celebrate all things Black Country.
The Black Country Hub will be officially opened by the deputy mayor of Dudley, Councillor Alan Taylor, at a launch event at 11am on Friday.
The unit, near the bus station entrance to the centre, is being run by the Black Country Arts Council as part of a countdown to the fifth official Black Country Day celebrations on Friday July 14th.
Inside, people will be able to find information on events going on in the community to celebrate the month-long Black Country Festival running throughout July.
They include a big comedy night on Black Country Day itself, on Friday July 14, when TV’s Ross Noble will headline at Brierley Hill Civic Hall supported by hotly-tipped Black Country acts.
The hub will also act as a showcase for the regions talents, including Black Country Radio, and as a tourist information point for general happenings in the Black Country, with people invited to pop in for help and advice on promoting their own events.
A range of Black Country merchandise will be on sale. The proceeds will be used to advance the arts in the Black Country and also help raise funds to support community events organised as part of the Black Country Festival. Councillor Alan Taylor, deputy mayor of Dudley, said:
“The hub looks fantastic and is a real celebration of all things Black Country.
"I would urge people to pop in for themselves and have a look, as well as learning about all the great events that are on during the festival.”
Ian Marrey, chairman of Black Country Arts Council, said:
“The location of the Black Country Hub is fantastic and over the next few months we will see the Black Country flag flying in our store, as we set about promoting everything that is great about the Black Country.
“The hub will also act as a tourist information point for the Black Country, with people invited to pop in for help and advice on promoting their own events.”
Steve Edwards, chairman of the Black Country Festival and manager of the hub, said:
“We are very excited to get the hub open and it will be great to have a headquarters and focal point in the week leading up to the big day on July 14.”
The hub will have gallery space to regularly display work by local artists, opening with a showcase of oil paintings by Ken Wood depicting famous Black Country scenes. The space will also be available for use as a performance area by local groups.
For further information on the festival and what events are taking place, log onto black-country-festival.co.uk.
