Express & Star

Families flock to first Black Country Musicom - with pictures and video

People turned out in force as thousands celebrated Black Country Day over the weekend.

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Black Country day is celebrated at Dudley Council's Black Country Musicom in the setting of Himley Hall

Families descended on Himley Hall and Park yesterday for the headline event – Black Country Musicom.

Black Country day is celebrated at Dudley Council's Black Country Musicom in the setting of Himley Hall
Dancing grannies The Fizzogs
Dancing grannies The Fizzogs
Black Country day is celebrated at Dudley Council's Black Country Musicom in the setting of Himley Hall
Black Country day is celebrated at Dudley Council's Black Country Musicom in the setting of Himley Hall
Black Country day is celebrated at Dudley Council's Black Country Musicom in the setting of Himley Hall
Black Country day is celebrated at Dudley Council's Black Country Musicom in the setting of Himley Hall
A Little Mix cover band
Black Country day is celebrated at Dudley Council's Black Country Musicom in the setting of Himley Hall
Black Country day is celebrated at Dudley Council's Black Country Musicom in the setting of Himley Hall
Black Country day is celebrated at Dudley Council's Black Country Musicom in the setting of Himley Hall
Bhangra Smash Up
Black Country day is celebrated at Dudley Council's Black Country Musicom in the setting of Himley Hall
Born in the 80s
Black Country day is celebrated at Dudley Council's Black Country Musicom in the setting of Himley Hall
Bhangra Smash Up

Black Country Day officially takes place on July 14 – but celebrations have been in full swing since the end of June with the month-long Black Country Festival.

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The outdoor event at Himley featured performances by tribute acts to bands including Oasis, Queen, Little Mix and the Spice Girls, as well as local artists and Bhangra musicians.

A comedy tent featured Black Country lad Darren Harriott – as seen on Live At The Apollo and Mock The Week. There was also activities for teenagers and children with gaming tournaments, football, glitter artists, balloon modelling and face painting.

Dancing grannies The Fizzogs
Black Country day is celebrated at Dudley Council's Black Country Musicom in the setting of Himley Hall

Dudley Council leader Patrick Harley said: “The Black Country Festival is all about bringing communities together and as you looked around Himley yesterday there were things for all ages here – a fair, children in the sand pit, a comedy tent, a range of music from folk, rock, the eighties and the Spice Girls! There is something for everyone.”

Steve Edwards, the man behind Black Country Day, said: “To see this massive event it is what we aspired to do and we never thought we would get there.

“Next year, for 2020, we aim for it to be even bigger. I’m really proud – I started Black Country Day in 2012, by 2014 it was an official day and to see it turn into something like this is amazing.”

Black Country day is celebrated at Dudley Council's Black Country Musicom in the setting of Himley Hall
Born in the 80s

Emma Thomas, from Gornal, who was enjoying the Musicom with her family, said: “This event has been absolutely brilliant – it has been a day full of fun.

“There is something for everyone, a fair for the children, activities for youngsters and music and comedy for the adults.”