THIS year’s Black Country Festival will be kicked off by the Mayor of Dudley as he hopes to stump up cash at a special charity cricket match.

Taking place at Stourbridge Cricket Club on July 1, the match will see Dudley Council’s officers, councillors and members of the Black Country Festival organising committee will go head-to-head.

The game, which will donate all of the proceeds to the Mayor’s chosen charities, signals the start of a month of celebrations as part of the festival, which includes Black Country Day on July 14.

Teams of six will face off in a six-over tournament with the winners taking home the trophy.

Councillor Mohammed Hanif, Mayor of Dudley, said: “What a fantastic way to start such an important festival. The mayor’s charity cricket match is always well supported and is the perfect way to get the month of celebrations under way.

“I hope to see as many people as possible on the day helping to raise some much needed funds for my chosen charities.”

Spectators will be able to take part in the raffle, where a range of top prizes up for grabs, while the event will also feature a barbecue and family entertainment.

This year, the mayor is supporting the Friends of Alfie Johnson, Diabetes UK – Dudley Borough Local Group, and Dudley CIL.

For more information about the Memorial Ground tournament, which starts at 6pm with free admission, or any of the other Black Country Festival events, visit www.black-country-festival.co.uk