Express & Star

Star comment: Our home is the most bostin’ ever

Happy Black Country Day – it’s that time of year again when we celebrate everything that is great about this bostin’ region.

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Black Country Day celebrations

Now in its fifth year, Black Country Day – and the festival that leads up to it – have gone from strength to strength.

The striking black, white and red Black Country flag is now a common sight all across the four boroughs.

And as always there is plenty to see and do for those who fancy showing their Black Country pride.

Tonight sees Ross Noble headlining a Black Country-themed comedy night at the Civic in Wolverhampton.

Over the weekend there are a series of family events, including Wordsley Carnival, the Wolverhampton Fiesta and a fun day in Dudley town centre.

The organisers, led by committee chairman Steve Edwards, deserve the highest praise for their efforts in putting together a truly fantastic festival.

It gets bigger and better each year.

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By common consensus, the Black Country has lived in the shadow of Birmingham for far too long. It is high time we started to assert our pride in this great region – and Black Country Day allows us to do just that.

The Black Country gave the world its first steam engine, courtesy of Thomas Newcomen. The region’s iron and steel industries were the foundations for the Industrial Revolution, led by Dudley-born Abraham Darby.

There was a time when we led the world in the manufacture of just about everything, including bicycles, locks and glassware.

But the Black Country is not just about basking in the rich heritage of our past.

The region has a bright future. Some of our town centres and Wolverhampton city centre are finally starting to see the investment they have craved for so long.

The forthcoming Metro extension to Brierley Hill will connect the region like never before, alongside the new enterprise zone which promises 6,000 jobs.

With attractions such as the Black Country Living Museum, Dudley Zoo and Himley Hall, there is always plenty to see and do.

But the best thing about the Black Country is its people.

So wave your Black Country flag with pride as we hail the majesty of this region on the rise.