Ahead of the Black Country Festival, Dudley Council has confirmed that parking charges will be suspended at selected council car parking for two days next month.

The festival will see events in Dudley borough town centres during July with markets, stage entertainment, funfair rides and walkabout acts on offer.

All council pay and display charges in Halesowen will be suspended on 5 July for the Halesowen Carnival and Music Festival at Highfield Park.

Charge suspensions will also be in place in Stourbridge on Sunday 6 July for Stourbridge Carnival, which will run throughout the High Street and town centre from 9am to 4pm. The Deputy Mayor of Dudley will be in attendance.

Events will also take place on Somers Square in Halesowen on 12 July from 11am to 4pm, at the Brierley Hill’s Moor Centre on 26 July from 10am to 4pm with the Mayor of Dudley set to attend, and at Tenscore in Sedgley on 27 July from noon to 4pm.

Councillor Patrick Harley, leader of Dudley Council, said: “We are suspending parking charges on 5 and 6 July to support the Black Country Festival this summer.

“We know organisers and traders alike will welcome this decision, which will help people to come together to celebrate the Black Country events. Dudley Council will also be holding the Dudley Pride event on 6 September in Stone Street Square as part of the Black Country events.”

The free parking concessions will only apply to payment for council parking on the stipulated days, in the areas stipulated. All other parking restrictions and costs will apply as normal.