THOSE in charge with making this year’s Black Country Festival a runaway success have been recognised by the borough’s first citizen.

The community activists who played a big part in making sure the festival was bigger than last year’s inaugural event were honoured at a civic reception with the Mayor of Dudley.

Organisers Steve Edwards, James Stevens and Dave Brownhill were presented with an engraved glass tankard and framed certificate to recognise their efforts.

Comedy group The Fizzogs, who played a large part in the entertainment at the festival and will now take their show to the Edinburgh Festival taking place this month, were also honoured.

The Mayor of Dudley, Councillor Steve Waltho, said: “The Black Country festival celebrations have been a highlight of my mayoral year so far and I was delighted to welcome the key players into the parlour to recognise their work.

“I’m also thrilled to have had the opportunity to wish The Fizzogs all the best before they head off to Edinburgh where they will of course be flying the Black Country flag.”

The festival across the borough featured hundreds of events throughout July including carnivals in Dudley, Halesowen and Stourbridge town centres. There were also comedy nights, opera performances and sporting events.

The organising committee comprises of community members and Dudley councillors from across all the borough’s political parties.