On 14th July, the Black Country came together to celebrate everything that makes our region so special – and this year, the festivities took place right here at the Waterfront.
While 14th July may also be known around the world as Bastille Day, here in the Black Country, we think Black Country Day is much more bostin’! It is a day to celebrate our heritage, our people, our humour and the incredible community spirit that makes the Black Country such a unique place to live, work and visit.
Black Country Day Comes to the Waterfront
This year, we were incredibly proud to welcome the annual Black Country Day celebrations to the Waterfront. The event was organised by a dedicated committee of volunteers who approached the Waterfront about hosting the festivities, and what an occasion it turned out to be.
With perfect summer weather setting the scene, the Waterfront was buzzing with Black Country pride, entertainment and plenty of good times. The Dockworks provided the perfect backdrop for the celebrations, keeping visitors well fed and watered throughout the day with a fantastic selection of food and drink.
A Day Full of Entertainment
The event brought together some fantastic names from across the region, with BBC Radio WM, ITV, Wolverhampton Wanderers Football Club, the Mayor and Deputy Mayor of Dudley, The Gentleman Songsters and the much-loved Dancing Grannies all helping to make the day one to remember.
One of the highlights was a live performance from The Gentleman Songsters, a talented Black Country male voice choir with strong roots in the local community. This year, the choir has also released a special song celebrating the Black Country, making it even more special to hear them perform live as part of the celebrations.
Celebrating Local Heroes
The day also provided an opportunity to celebrate some of the region’s sporting heroes. The First Citizen of Dudley attended the event in full Mayoral chains, helping to recognise the achievements of local England football stars Jude Bellingham and Morgan Rogers, who have both been awarded the Freedom of the Borough of Dudley.
With roots in Stourbridge and Halesowen respectively, their success is a fantastic source of pride for the local community and a brilliant reminder of the talent that continues to come from the Black Country.
Food, Music and Plenty of Black Country Spirit
As the celebrations continued, there was plenty of entertainment to keep everyone smiling. The Dockworks kept visitors fed and watered throughout the day, offering plenty of delicious food and drink to enjoy alongside the celebrations.
The day came to a memorable close with a brilliant performance from the Dancing Grannies – a trio of Black Country girls who brought their trademark energy and humour to the Waterfront stage, performing favourites including AC/DC’s Thunderstruck.
A Celebration to Remember
It was a truly magical day and a wonderful opportunity to celebrate our fantastic region with the people who make it so special. From the entertainment and music to the food, laughter and community spirit, Black Country Day at the Waterfront was a celebration to remember.
And, of course, although we didn’t pay for the sunshine, we got it anyway!
A huge thank you to everyone who helped make the day possible, from the organisers and performers to everyone who came along and celebrated with us. We were truly honoured to play our part in hosting such a special event and look forward to celebrating the Black Country together again in the future.
From all of us at the Waterfront, Bostin’ Black Country Day!
