A new video proclaiming a bright future in the aftermath of the coronavirus pandemic has been released as part of the Black Country Day celebrations.

The film hails the strength and resilience of Black Country folk in coming together as a community to fight the virus. It is titled “Forging a Future” and declares “there is light at the end of the tunnel” as the region looks to start coming out of the darkness. Councillor Patrick Harley, leader of the council, said:

"It has been a dark time – but we have always been a close-knit community in the Black Country. And, when it was needed more than ever, we came together as one and many heroes came to the fore.

"Now there is light at the end of the tunnel. Our tourist attractions and town centres are back open for business and plans are in place to fully re-open schools in September to train the skilled workforce of tomorrow.

"Working as one we will come back even stronger, and we will forge a future for all in the borough."

A number of events normally run throughout July as part of the Black Country Festival, with Black Country Day taking place on July 14th. Dudley Council was gearing up for a series of events and activities, but the coronavirus pandemic has meant the annual festival has had to run differently.

Instead, using the hashtag #BCfestivalonline, a series of videos and images will be shared online via the council’s social media channels to mark the special month.