AMBITIOUS plans for a month-long Black Country festival got a bostin’ beginning during a ceremony at Dudley town hall.

Musician Garry Sawers, also known as Black Country Gaz, is leading the campaign to establish the festival throughout July at venues around the region.

To mark his commitment to the Black Country, Gaz was presented with a Love Your Community certificate by Dudley Council’s deputy leader, Cllr Pete Lowe.

Black Country Gaz said: “All of us in the Black Country have loads to be proud of and I’m delighted Dudley Council is supporting the community in making this happen.

“The interest out there from people across the region is huge and I’m sure we can get plenty of events and activities, including live music, going on across various venues this July.”

Dudley Council recently declared the borough as the capital of the Black Country and registered July 14 as national Black Country day.

Cllr Lowe said: “We have so much to be proud of in the Black Country and it is superb to see the likes of Black Country Gaz and other local people showing such a keen desire to celebrate this great place.

“The launch of the Black Country flag on Dudley Town Hall marked Dudley as the capital of the Black Country and the response from residents and groups right across the borough has been incredible. As a community council we are determined to work with everyone to help create a month of activities in July that will offer something for everyone.”

Black Country Gaz has launched a festival Facebook page which has around 800 followers and a website at www.blackcountryfestival.co.uk

Venues and organisations looking to hold events during July to help celebrate the festival can email details to info@blackcountryfestival.co.uk to get their event listed on websites and in event programmes.