The much loved 'Dudley Remembers' concert will take place again this year hosted by Black Country Radio.

Two years ago, the concert was in jeopardy due to high venue charges and last year a dedicated team of volunteers came forward to organise the event following a public appeal by former Borough Mayors, Dave Tyler and Steve Waltho and Master of Ceremonies, Ian Rawlings.

The newly formed volunteer Steering Group, chaired by Ian, approached Dudley College who gladly hosted the event which raised £2000 for the Royal British Legion.

The concert was a great success and included free performances by Sovereign Brass, The Gentlemen Songsters and excellent performances by students from Dudley College.

This year it was feared that due to Covid there would be no concert at all but when Black Country Radio were approached, they offered to coordinate a recorded show to be broadcast on Friday 6th November at 7pm.

The Gentleman Songsters Male Voice Choir will be centre stage with several recorded items to supplement readings by Dudley College Students and historian Rose Cook Monk plus interviews of ex-service personnel.

Current Mayor of Dudley, Councillor David Stanley, will introduce the concert and Rev James Treasure of Top Church has agreed to officiate a small service of remembrance as part of the event. Ian said:

"We are indebted to Black Country Radio for enabling this much loved and respected annual event to take place in such difficult circumstances. This year is significant in that it is the 75th Anniversary of VE and VJ days as well as the 100th anniversary of that momentous ceremony of the Unknown Soldier which led a year later to the poppy movement that has become the symbol of Remembrance.

“I would like to also place on record my thanks to our dedicated Steering Group and all event participants. Last but certainly not least our thanks again to Steve Pitts of the Black Country T-Shirt shop who procured and sold 1000 Black Country poppy badges with the proceeds going to the British Legion."

The hour-long concert will be broadcast on Black Country Radio, on 102.5FM, on Friday 6th November commencing at 7pm.