Organisers and partners behind this year's Black Country Multicultural Day (BCMD) Weekender have praised the event after bringing communities together across Halesowen and Oldbury for a two-day celebration of culture, diversity and community spirit.

Supported by headline sponsor West Brom Building Society, the event expanded for the first time into a two-day, two-location festival, reflecting its growing popularity across the region.

Taking place on 11 July in Somers Square, Halesowen, before moving to Civic Square, Freeth Street, Oldbury, on 12 July, the free event featured a vibrant programme of live music, dance, cultural displays and family activities, attracting visitors from across the Black Country and beyond.

The weekender showcased the rich cultural diversity that has helped shape the Black Country while providing a platform for local talent and creating opportunities for people of all backgrounds to come together and celebrate what unites them.

Highlights included performances from The Black Country All Ska’s, the Busketeers, Drums Aloud, John Langford, a Chinese Lion Dance, and the winner of Black Country You've Got Talent.

Visitors also enjoyed dance workshops in the Cornbow Shopping Centre, including interactive sessions led by Tina Lloyd from Fit 4 Life and Sohan Kailey's Bhangra dance experience.

The celebrations continued in Oldbury with performances from Punjabi Dost, Kaleidoscope Chinese Dance, Libby Ella, Klaudia Ciok, and a Romanian dance display, creating a lively atmosphere throughout the day.

Frankie Prazer, the festival’s event organiser, said: "This year was a huge milestone for Black Country Multicultural Day Weekender. Expanding to two days and bringing the event to both Halesowen and Oldbury allowed us to reach even more people in our communities.”

"From the performances and workshops to the conversations taking place throughout the weekend, there was a real sense of togetherness. That's what it’s all about – celebrating the diversity of the Black Country - while bringing people together through shared experiences and community pride."

Shaine Jones, Head of Branches at West Brom Building Society, said: "We were delighted to support this year's event, meeting so many people from across Halesowen and Oldbury celebrating the diversity that makes our region unique."

"As a mutual building society, we’re deeply rooted in our local communities and committed to supporting initiatives that create opportunities for people to connect, learn from one another and build stronger relationships. Events like this reflect our values and ethos, helping us reach local people in our heartlands, while celebrating the vibrant communities we are proud to serve."

Established to celebrate the area's diverse communities and encourage greater understanding and connection between people, Black Country Multicultural Day has grown into one of the region's most vibrant local events.