THIS year’s Black Country Festival is set to bow out in style with a folk festival bringing the region’s top musicians together.

Black Country Day founder Steve Edwards has organised the inaugural Black Country Folk Festival which will take place at Himley Hall on July 31.

Steve has linked up with musician James Stevens of The Empty Can, who had chart success with The Black Country Anthem, to put on the event which will feature performances from Alex Ohm, Flat Stanley, Matt Johnson, Jess Silk, Bleeding Hearts, Sam Draisey, The Emma Linney Band and of The Empty Can.

There will also be an acoustic stage with many more local artists performing.

Steve said: "James and I first spoke about creating Black Country Folk Festival almost 10 years ago and now it is finally happening.

“We have a top line up with some amazing local musicians who have performed at the country's biggest festivals.

“Only last month Jess Silk was performing at Glastonbury and now she will be entertaining the crowd in Gornal."

James, who has been involved in the local music scene for 30 years, said: "After the last couple of years everyone has had with Covid I just thought now was the right time, so I called Steve and said 'let's do it'.

“I have been privileged enough to work with and become friends with some amazing musicians over the years and everyone we asked to play has agreed. We literally put a wish list together and they all said yes.”

The event will run from 11am to 7pm. Tickets are available from blackcountryfolk.co.uk Steve added: "We wanted to end July's Black Country celebrations with something special and believe showcasing the region's best singer/songwriters is the way to do it.

Fixed Wheel Brewery will be running a bar at the event and there’ll be arts and craft stalls plus food outlets.