Entertainers and crowds turn out for the fifth Halesowen Multicultural Day

Somer Square was the focal point of the annual event which saw dancers, singers and entertainers keep the crowds happy throughout the day.

Part of the month long Black Country Festival roster of events the multicultural day has now become a firm favourite with families looking for a good time. This was the fifth Halesowen Multicultural Day and was sponsored by broadband provider BRSK which meant entry was free to everyone.

Designed to celebrate the diverse communities living in the area the performers reflected the different cultures thriving in the town. 

There were adult and child Mriya Ukrainian Dancers, the Life Central Band, a Bhangra Smash Up, Chinese Lion Dancers and even Dancing Grannies. At the Cornbow Centre there were Caribbean Dance Workshops and Jodi Dance Workshops in the afternoon. The sounds of ABBA created a party vibe as afternoon turned into evening. 

Two performers only found out they clinched a spot on stage last night. After eight weeks of auditions for You've Got Talent at Benjamins Club, Halesowen, two winners earnt a chance to perform in front of their biggest crowd yet, Savannah Doherty and Time Step Dance.

Halesowen businessman, former councillor and founder of the Saleem Foundation Shaz Saleem was a judge, he said: "All acts were absolutely amazing, but there could be just one winner.

"After much deliberation, we agreed that the 2025 You've Got Talent Final winner is 16 year old Savanah Doherty. 

"Second, we had a dance group from Tipton called Time Step Dance. They are aged 7 to 13, and although the second prize was £100, but as the girls' performance was extraordinary, I donated a further £100 and the judges agreed the group would also perform live at the event."

He added: "The Halesowen Multi-Cultural Day is one of the best events of the year and I'm proud to be associated with it."

All money raised at the talent show events went to The Black Country Food Bank whose Keeley Jones was also on the judging panel. 

And Halesowen's townsfolk could be forgiven for thinking they spotted megastar Simon Cowell as Halesowen's resident lookalike Andy Monk added a bit of stardust to proceedings. 

Halesowen resident Sharon Stevens, who went to Somer Square with her family, said: "We had a great time, we are trying to get to as many Black Country Festival events as possible.

"This one is always a bit different because it is about who is in the area right now whereas a lot of the other stuff is about our history, which is great but I love a bit of a dance."