Live music, classic cars and good food: Your guide to the Black Country Festival 2024

Over a decade after the first Black Country Day celebrations took place, thousands of residents are excitedly taking part in fantastic events and activities to help celebrate the region in the lead-up to the big day.

The first Black Country day celebrations took place on March 30, 2013, with the date later changing to July 14 to coincide with the anniversary of the invention of the world's first successful steam engine, the Newcomen Engine, in 1712 at the Coneygree Coal Works near Dudley.

While the day has only been celebrated in the Black Country for a relatively short amount of time, it is already a well established part of the Black Country calendar, with thousands of residents looking forward to the events, festivals and concerts taking place.

To help celebrate the occasion, we have created the quintessential guide to help you make the most of the bostin' Black Country's own fortnight of celebration.

What is the Black Country Festival?

In 2014, the Black Country was brought to life through a unified festival that was created by the four boroughs of Dudley, Walsall, Wolverhampton and Sandwell, to celebrate the region's historical importance.

The first-of-its-kind event was created to celebrate the Black Country's cultural heritage and national importance, marking the beginning of an annual tradition designed to remember everything great about our area.

What is taking place?

Dozens of events are set to take place around the region over the next fortnight, so to help make it easy, we have created a comprehensive list of all the official events taking place around the Black Country.

The Black Country Showcase, Dudley Town Hall, St James Road. July 5. Presenting some of the very best music and comedy from the Black Country, the Black Country Showcase is showing off all of the best talents that our region has to offer – all while helping to support local charities.

Birmingham Black Country Half Marathon, The Boat Yard, Broad Street, Wolverhampton. July 6. Starting at the Boat Yard in Wolverhampton and finishing near Brindley Place in Birmingham, this fun half marathon event showcases the town's heritage and picturesque surroundings. All runners are welcome no matter the difficulty.

The Wall Heath Summer Fun Day, Wall Heath Scout Hub, Top Park, Wall Heath. July 6. Back bigger and better than ever this year, visit stalls operated by local sellers, take part in free activities and enjoy delicious street food and entertainment including singers and group performances.

Dudley Classic Car Show, Stone Street, Dudley. July 6. See some of the best classic cars that Black Country collectors have to offer at this fantastic event. See antique cars ranging from vintage Aston Martin to Minis, this car show has it all.

Halesowen Carnival and Music Festival, Highfield Park, Halesowen. July 6. This event boasts a fairground, over 70 stalls, live wrestling, food and drink stalls, a dog show and a whole heap of live music. Visitors can even meet Batman himself as actors bring their favourite comic book and cartoon characters to life.

Digbeth Dining Club Festival, Walsall Arboretum, Walsall, July 6. Enjoy some of the best street food that the Black Country has to offer as you try food from all over the world. Food stalls visiting the event include Beef on the Block, Gyros Guys, Hangry Moose, Death Row Sandwiches, Only Jerkin, Bayley's of Bromsgrove and Army Truck.

Stourbridge Carnival, Coventry Street, Stourbridge. July 7. This special event is helping to celebrate the tenth anniversary of Black Country Day, the Stourbridge Carnival and Market is hosting an extra special event this year featuring live music, classic vehicles, a funfair and plenty of events to get involved in.

Halesowen Cricket Club Beer Festival, Seth Somers Park, Grange Road, Halesowen. July 12. Visit Halesowen and try plenty of locally brewed craft ales and beers, or sate your palate with one of the many food trucks available.

Dudley Grand Prix, Dudley Town Centre. July 12. Enjoy an evening of exhilarating cycling racing as riders take to the twisty and windy circuits of Dudley town centre. Watch as the very best of British cycling chase the gold medal in this amazing race.

Halesowen Black Country Festival Fun Day, Somer Square, Halesowen, July 13. Visit dozens of market stalls, have your face painted in the Black Country flag colours and watch amazing street entertainers as you help celebrate the amazing Black Country.

Sandwell Black Country Festival Fun Day, Sandwell Valley Park, Sandwell. July 14. Take part in an amazing range of events at Sandwell Valley Park as you celebrate the most important day in the Black Country calendar.

Classic and Retro Car Show and Family Fun Day, Walsall Arboretum, Walsall. July 14. See dozens of classic vehicles ranging from cars to motorcycles or enjoy shopping at dozens of local stalls and food vendors as you celebrate the very best of the Black Country.

Black Country Musicom Festival, Himley Hall, Himley. July 14. Enjoy amazing tribute acts and stand-up comedians as you enjoy Black Country Day, or visit one of the many food and drink stalls available on the day. Acts include the symphonic Rock Orchestra, Foo Fighters GB and Oasis - Fakermaker.

For more information on these events, and for a full list of all the Black Country Day events taking place around the region. Visit the Black Country Festival website.