Mayor of the West Midlands Andy Street has thanked the thousands of people who took part in celebratory events around the region to mark the second annual Mayor’s Community Weekend.

More than 160 events took place around the West Midlands over the weekend of June 29 and 30, thanks to £80,000 of grants from the National Lottery Community Fund.

Highlights included a “Chirish” event between the Chinese and Irish communities in Birmingham, a hands-on art event in Dudley town centre, a colourful party for the people in Coventry, a fun day at Sandwell fire station, a Windrush celebration in Wolverhampton and a Mad Hatter’s Tea Party in Solihull.

Mayor Andy Street said: “From tea parties to cycling events, picnics in the park to community barbeques, the Community Weekend has once again showcased the very best of the West Midlands.

“Having so many people turn out to events all across the region really does show just what a brilliant community we have here in the West Midlands and one that we are all very lucky to be part of. The pride people have shown, not just for their local community but for the region as a whole, is wonderful to see.

“A special thank you must go to the National Lottery who upped their funding this year to allow even more events to go ahead and even more people to get involved.”

Following the huge success of the first Mayor’s Community Weekend last year, community groups were invited to apply for grants of up to £500 each from the National Lottery Community Fund, which distributes money raised by National Lottery players for good causes.

After a positive response from people across the region, the National Lottery made an extra £25,000 of funding available this year. As a result, the Weekend saw more than 160 events held around the region, up from 120 in 2018.

Other highlights from the weekend included the Mayor’s Big Breakfast event, which saw the Mayor meeting members of the community at Nechells POD in Birmingham, and the Community Barbecue Build and Plant event at the Stratton Street Community Centre in Wolverhampton, where the Mayor got involved in serving ice-creams while children decorated plant pots.

The Party with the People in Coventry saw WMCA chief executive Deborah Cadman OBE meet members of the Godiva Trust, while the Olton Parklife event at Langley Hall Park in Solihull was attended by Deputy Mayor of the West Midlands Cllr Bob Sleigh.

Matt Poole, Senior Head of Regional Funding for the Midlands at The National Lottery Community Fund, said: “It’s been brilliant to see people across the West Midlands come together for the Mayor’s Community Weekend. We have enjoyed seeing people from all walks of life connecting with their neighbours and local communities to share experiences and create new memories. Thanks to National Lottery players, we hope this memorable weekend has inspired people to come together more often to celebrate their local communities.”

For more information about the weekend, visit: www.wmca.org.uk/mcw