The iconic Black Country flag is flying proudly across Dudley and residents and businesses are being urged to join in.

Businesses and residents are being encouraged to fly the flag with pride during July for the month-long Black Country Festival. Tudor Markets, who are the new bosses of the medieval marketplace in Dudley, have strung bunting to welcome shoppers to the town during the festival.

The Castle at Dudley Zoological Gardens, one of the most famous landmarks in the region, also has a flag flying from the famous tower.

Dudley Council bosses have been flying the Black Country flag from the roof of the town hall for some time, but will also be adding one to the roof of the council house on July 14th to mark Black Country Day. Councillor Patrick Harley, leader of Dudley Council, said:

“The flag epitomises the pride in this borough, and at Dudley Council we share that pride in the history and ambition for this area. It represents not only the industrial heritage of the borough, but also the investment and regeneration here in the historic capital of the Black Country.”

Derek Grove, director at Dudley Zoological Gardens, added:

“This year Dudley Zoological Gardens celebrates its 80th anniversary and we're proud to have had such strong roots in the Black Country for the last eight decades.

“We're delighted to be flying the flag in celebration of our heritage atop one of the Midlands' most-loved landmarks - the 11th century castle in the heart of the zoological gardens - where it can be seen for miles around.”

James Willis, managing director of Tudor Markets Ltd, said:

“We are proud to be running a market in Dudley – where people have come to trade and shop since medieval times. The pride in the area is clear to see and we hope the flags will encourage more people to be a part of this important festival.”

The Black Country Festival runs throughout July and sees carnivals, events and festivals across the region. For more information on the festival, you can visit black-country-festival.co.uk or check our events listings.