The countdown to Black Country Day has begun – with a host of bostin’ events set to take place.

Fun days, comedy nights, golf tournaments, variety shows and classic car displays are all being put on this month as part of this year’s Black Country Festival.

The showpiece event of the festival on Black Country Day itself – Friday July 14 – is a huge comedy show headlined by TV’s Ross Noble at Brierley Hill Civic Hall. The supporting acts on the night are all from the Black Country.

But before that, crowds are expected to descend on Stourbridge’s Bonded Warehouse on Friday for the return of Street Food Affair from 5pm to 9pm. The theme is Peaky Blinders and a whole host of food and drink stalls will line the canalside for people to sample.

The first of a number of fun days taking place in July are due to take place on Saturday. The Upper Gornal Fun Day is on from 12 noon to 4pm at Vale Street Recreation Ground, while Netherton Park Fun Day is on at the Northfield Road site in Netherton from 10am to 5pm.

Throughout the month there will also be fun days in Dudley, at Stone Street Square on Saturday July 15 from 11am to 5pm; in Wordsley on the same day; Brockmoor & Pensnett on Sunday July 23 from 1pm to 5pm; and Coseley on Sunday July 30 in Castle Street, Roseville from 1pm to 5pm. Funfair rides, stalls and live entertainment will all feature heavily.

On Saturday and Sunday this weekend, the Black Country Living Museum is playing host to a special Black Country Weekend at the Tipton Road site. All of the usual attractions on site will be open, with a special discovery trail giving visitors the chance to find out more about the proud industrial heritage of the area.

On Black Country Day itself, comic Noble, who has appeared on the likes of Live At The Apollo, Have I Got News For You and QI, will take centre stage at the Civic from 8pm supported by Jonny Cole (Wednesbury), Darren Harriott (Oldbury) and Mike Crump (Dudley).

Elsewhere on Black Country Day, the Black Country Masters Golf Tournament takes place at Dudley Golf Club, with the winner of the annual event getting to take away the prized ‘green tay shirt’.

And at Great Bridge Library, from 7pm, there will be a special Black Country Variety Show. Hosted by Black Country poet Billy Spakemon, it features music from Black Country Gaz as well as music, comedy and poetry performances.

But the fun doesn’t stop after Black Country Day has been and gone. On Saturday July 15 it’s the Old Hill Festival 2017, with a parade, live music from a number of tribute bands including Take That and Jersey Boys, and even a special appearance by Del Boy from Only Fools and Horses.

Bushfest – the smallest comedy festival in the world – will run from Thursday July 20 to Sunday July 23 at The Hollybush in Cradley Heath. It is free admission, with some acts asking for bucket donations.

Saturday July 22 will see the first ever Brier Fair in Brierley Hill High Street. Running from 11am to 5pm, there will be market stalls, a funfair, and street entertainment. And on the same day, in Dudley town centre, there will be a classic car display and parade from 11am to 3.30pm. Steve Edwards, chairman of the Black Country Festival, said:

“It doesn’t matter whether you are young or old, there really is something to do for everyone during the Black Country Festival.

“It’s a month-long celebration of who we are and where we come from, and we would urge Black Country folk to get along to the events and wave their flags proudly.”

For a full list of events during the festival check our Black Country festival events calendar.