The clock has started as thousands of people get ready to enjoy activities across the region.

There are now 35 days to go before the huge month-long festival throughout July and Dudley Council is gearing up for the borough’s part in the region wide event. The celebrations will see events taking place across all the major towns and includes Black Country Day on July 14th.

The 2016 incarnation includes Halesowen Carnival on July 2nd, Stourbridge Carnival and the Great Black Country Road Run in Halesowen on July 3rd and a beer festival at Brierley Hill Civic Hall on July 29th to 31st. There will also be activities in Dudley Town Centre on July 16th, the weekend after Black Country Day. James Stevens, chairman of the Black Country Festival organising committee, said:

“This festival continues to grow bigger and better every year with thousands of people coming out to show why they love the Black Country so much. There are events taking place across the region and many more in the pipeline.

“We’ve made sure there is something for everyone, so there really is no reason not to come out and enjoy yourselves.”

The festival is now in its third year and sparks a wave of pride across the Black Country. It honours the history of the area whilst celebrating the future. Councillor Pete Lowe, leader of Dudley Council, said:

“We have a long and proud history in the borough and we know how to celebrate that. I am delighted to see the community coming together to celebrate their proud heritage, something that we have been working towards as a community council.”

For more information on events Black Country Festival events taking place throughout July visit black-country-festival.co.uk.