The Mayor of Dudley will be kicking off this year’s Black Country Festival by stumping up cash for charity at a special cricket match.

The match takes place on July 1st between Dudley Council officers, councillors and members of the Black Country Festival organising committee.

All proceeds from the game, to be held at at Stourbridge Cricket Club, will go to the Mayor’s charities. The game signals the start of a month of celebrations as part of the festival, which includes Black Country Day on July 14th.

The teams of six will go head-to-head in a six-over tournament with the winners taking home the trophy. Spectators will also be able to take part in the raffle with top prizes up for grabs. There will also be a barbecue and other entertainment. Councillor Mohammed Hanif, Mayor of Dudley, said:

“What a fantastic way to start such an important festival. The Mayor’s charity cricket match is always well supported and is the perfect way to get the month of celebrations under way.

 “I hope to see as many people as possible on the day helping to raise some much needed funds for my chosen charities.”

All proceeds will go to the Friends of Alfie Johnson (helping children with disabilities), Diabetes UK – Dudley Borough Local Group and Dudley CIL (physically and visually impaired with mental health and learning disabilities).

The tournament at Stourbridge Cricket Club, Memorial Ground, High Street, Amblecote, starts at 6pm. People will be able to buy food and drink from the barbecue and the bar. Admission is free.

For more information on events throughout the festival visit www.black-country-festival.co.uk.