The first ever West Bromwich Music Festival will be taking place at controversial arts centre The Public, showcasing some of the region’s top talent.

The £63 million venue, which is yet to fully open to the public, will stage a series of free events and concerts from May 1-4.

It has been organised by production and training company Major Key Studios, the only firm to so far rent office space at the pink and black building in New Street, with students playing a major role in organising the showpiece event.

It will be the first music festival of its kind to take place in West Bromwich, kicking off at 6pm next Friday. Acts on the opening day include four-piece 60s blues and rock influenced The Blue Stones, Ska influenced Skatch and four-piece Birmingham indie rockers Missing Sid.

The following day glam rock-style The Sweethearts play along with respected blues and roots artist Ian Parker, teenage five-piece The Arcadian Kicks and singer Ellen Miller. The line-up on May 3 includes New Orleans jazz, gospel and boogie woogie influenced Tipitina. Taking to the stage on May 4 will be four-piece guitar-based rock and roll act The Elements, the blues and funk sound of the Steve Cooper Band and Blues Jam.