HALESOWEN’S Victorian Fair is being replaced this year with a Black Country Fair, it was announced this week.

The switch by organisers, Halesowen and Rowley Regis Rotary Club has been made to link in with the second annual Black Country Festival.

Rotarian Keith Law, chairman of the fair’s organising committee, said the event would run alongside the town’s fortnightly farmers’ market with a total of 60 charity and commercial stall.

It is hoped at least some people will dress in traditional Black Country costume and attractions will include a funfair, pig roast and entertainment.

A number of micro breweries will also have stands in the town centre during the fair on Saturday July 25.

Mr Law said: “The date has only just been confirmed and planning is in the early stages, but we hope to make it a good family day out.”

It is also hoped schools will provide some of the entertainment, with talented youngsters singing and dancing.

Events are being planned across the region throughout July to celebrate and promote the Black Country, with Black Country Day on Tuesday July 14.

The day was created last year, marking the anniversary of the invention of the Newcomen Engine, the world’s first steam engine created in the region in 1712.

Apart from missing two years the Halesowen’s Victorian Fair had been a firm fixture in the town for more than 24 years.