Black Country Day 2025: 'I have faith in Gen Z to continue promoting our bostin' heritage and identity'
"I'm sure that the next generation will pick up the baton and carry on celebrating Black Country Day" says poet, singer and radio host Billy Spakemon.
The jolly impresario, real name Brian Dakin, was among the stalwarts backing the founders of the movement from the word "go" to celebrate the heritage and unique identity of the region which gave the world the Newcomen Engine and helped fuel the Industrial Revolution. He has been supporting the annual celebrations ever since as it grows from strength to strength, and he performs with The Buskateers alongside Tim Martin.
Mr Dakin, also an expert in Black Country linguistics, says: "Our contributions to Black Country Day is linked to the performances and talks. It's very much about being proud of our identity and voice which is very important.
"People like festival organiser Steve Edwards were there from the beginning championing the cause and we just supported with the music. Our contribution has grown to embrace our charity and community work."
"I think that the younger generation are more interested in the heritage of the region than the older generations. I’m quite confident that the next generation will pick up the mantle.
