BLACK Country businesses are being encouraged to get involved with a festival which celebrates the regions historic industrial past.

Companies are being urged to be part of this year’s Black Country Festival to help make it “bigger and better” than the last.

The 2014 festival saw about 1,000 events attended by more than 100,000 visitors across the area.

Dudley Councillor Stuart Turner, deputy leader of the council, said: “Last year’s event was such a great success, appealing to anyone living or working in the Black Country.

“It was originally launched in 2013 and has got progressively better each year. This is the first time that we have opened up sponsorship opportunities to local businesses for them to benefit from association with the festival.

“This festival echoes our Love Your Community Campaign and our pledge as a community council, but this festival is beyond just Dudley – it is for anyone associated with the Black County.

“I would encourage local businesses to join in with the fun and show their commitment to the Black Country and its residents by sponsoring this year’s event.”

More information on festival sponsorship is available by visiting www.dudley.gov.uk/business/advertising, by calling 01384 815228 or emailing promotions@dudley.gov.uk