A GIANT image of the Black Country flag will be beamed onto the walls of Dudley Town Hall tonight (Tuesday July 14) to finish off Black Country Day with a bang.

The St James’s Road venue will be lit up in the distinctive red, white and black colours of the flag to round off a day of celebrations which included an event in Halesowen town centre.

Councillor David Stanley, the Mayor of Dudley, said: "The Black Country flag has become a symbol of unity and great pride for people across our borough.

"It has been seen at major sporting events locally and abroad and has done more than anything in recent times to put us on the national and international map, as well as bringing communities together to celebrate our culture.

"It will look absolutely fantastic beamed onto the walls of the town hall, and be a fitting way to round off a day of celebration of who we are and where we come from."

A number of events usually run throughout July as part of the Black Country Festival which wraps around the annual Black Country Day - July 14.

Dudley Council was gearing up for a series of events and activities, but the coronavirus pandemic meant the annual festival has had to run differently.

Instead, using the hashtag #BCfestivalonline, a series of videos and images are being shared online via the council’s social media channels to mark the special month.

As part of the festival, the Mayor is also asking members of the public to produce a picture or photograph that best captures the spirit of the Black Country.

The winning entry will be framed and will hang in pride of place in the Mayor’s parlour later this year.

There is no criteria for entries but they must be submitted by August 14 and be available for display in the Council House.

People are invited to submit their entries on social media via #BCFestivalOnline and the Mayor will choose the winning design to hang in the parlour which is visited by hundreds of people each year. Entries can also be emailed to capa.events@dudley.gov.uk.