THOUSANDS of people showed their pride in the region as events took place across the borough to mark Black Country Day.

Residents, businesses and community leaders all came together to welcome people to events celebrating Black Country history throughout last Thursday (July 14).

During Black Country Day, the Mayor of Dudley, Councillor Mohammed Hanif, hosted a themed citizenship ceremony, which officially welcomes people to the UK from overseas, which included the Black Country anthem performed by the Empty Can, comedy and poetry, a commemorative cake and a Black Country goodie bag for all those who took part.

The Red House Glass Cone showed off the almost completed White House Cone – Museum of Glass with the first ever guided tours of the new £5million facility, while Ma Pardoes pub in Netherton held a special lunchtime sing-along with traditional ale and food, as well as comedy trio The Fizzogs.

Dudley Zoo and Castle also hosted a range of activities including animal petting for visitors, a vintage car and music from local bands.

The mayor, deputy mayor, Councillor Dave Tyler, and leader of the council, Councillor Pete Lowe, also got to meet and greet people at the zoo.

Cllr Hanif, Mayor of Dudley, said: “The festival is about bringing people from all communities together to celebrate everything that is great about the Black Country.

“Black Country Day has shown how proud people are of where they live and the history of this area and I’m delighted to see local businesses and tourist attractions getting involved too.”

Black Country Day is part of a packed programme of activities running throughout July as part of the Black Country Festival.

The festival will close with the Dudley Beer Festival, a three day celebration of real ale, at Brierley Hill Civic Hall from July 29 to 31.

For more information about the Black Country Festival, including details on all the coming events, visit www.black-country-festival.co.uk