The sights, sounds and flavours of the Black Country took centre stage at Shireland Biomedical UTC as students, families and local residents came together for a special Black Country Fair, held as part of the Academy’s annual Culture Day celebrations.
This year’s event incorporated a focus on Black Country Day, which is marked annually on 14 July to celebrate the history, heritage and identity of Dudley, Sandwell, Walsall and Wolverhampton as part of the wider Black Country Festival.
Visitors enjoyed a range of traditional fairground-style activities, including a human fruit machine, face painting, henna art and a raffle, while food stalls showcased a variety of dishes and refreshments. The Academy’s catering team prepared traditional Black Country favourites, alongside offerings from local vendors including chai tea and ice cream.
Music and entertainment ran throughout the afternoon, with bhangra drumming providing a vibrant soundtrack to the celebrations and reflecting the diverse cultures represented across the Academy community.
The fair also showcased local enterprise, with stalls hosted by community organisations, local businesses and student-led ventures. Among those taking part was Happiness is Handmade, a business run by students through Shireland CBSO Academy’s Enterprise Club.
School Principal, Gulfam Shahzad, said: “Education is about much more than academic achievement. It’s about helping young people understand and celebrate who they are and the communities they are part of.
“Celebrating the history of the Black Country alongside the diverse cultures that make up our school community encourages students to develop a deeper appreciation of local heritage while learning from the experiences and perspectives of others. In doing so, they build confidence, respect and a sense of belonging, qualities that are just as important as academic success in preparing them for the future.”
The event highlighted the Academy’s commitment to celebrating diversity, strengthening community connections and helping students develop a greater understanding of the world around them.
