The Black Country Festival is already in full swing, and there’s lots of bostin' fun lined up at Sandwell libraries for Black Country Day on Saturday.

Libraries across Sandwell are flying the flag for the Black Country Festival throughout July, with events, activities and entertainment for all ages.
From film showings, music, history talks and art sessions to coffee mornings, garden parties, afternoon tea and quiz nights, there’s something for everyone.

This Saturday (14 July) for Black Country Day, the many highlights include:

• Black Country Aye We at Blackheath Library, 10am-4pm – Music performances, yarn storming, cake decorating, writing, children’s activities, light refreshments. Free entry.

• Celebrate Black Country Day at Central Library West Bromwich, 10am-3pm – Watch a series of locally-made films, make a Black Country flag and tell us what makes the Black Country so great. Free entry.

• Black Country Fun Day at Tipton Library, 10.30am-12.30pm – Celebrate in style with music, poetry, children’s crafts, face painting and much more. Special appearance by Horrid Henry and Kevin Minion at 11am. Free entry.

• Black Country Variety Show at Great Bridge Library, 7pm-9.30pm – Annual show returns with the best in local music, magic, comedy and poetry. Hosted by The Boonyeds and featuring Scarbelly Blues Band, Emma Purshouse, Ron Popple and more. Admission £3, call 0121 557 3277 to reserve your place.

There are also free Black Country Day activities on Saturday (14 July) at Bleakhouse, Cradley Heath, Hill Top, Oakham, Stone Cross and Wednesbury libraries.
Councillor Steve Trow, Sandwell Council’s cabinet member for culture and core council services, said: “It’s great to see Sandwell playing its part in the Black Country Festival and for our libraries to be putting on such an entertaining range of activities and events for everyone to enjoy.Throughout July, all libraries are displaying Black Country books and Sandwell Community History and Archive Service (CHAS) at Smethwick Library has the Sandwell’s Great War exhibition, with displays highlighting the contribution of both local people and industries to the First World War.

Go to www.sandwell.gov.uk/blackcountryfestival for full details and follow @sandwelllibs on Twitter or like the ‘Sandwell Libraries’ Facebook page.