IT’S ON – the much-loved 'Dudley Remembers' concert will take place again this year, despite the new Covid lockdown.

Hosted by Black Country Radio, the recorded concert will be broadcast this Friday, November 6, at 7pm.

Two years ago, the concert was in jeopardy due to high venue charges, but last year a dedicated team of volunteers came forward to organise the event following a public appeal by former Borough Mayors Dave Tyler and Steve Waltho and Master of Ceremonies Ian Rawlings.

Dudley College hosted the event, which raised £2000 for the Royal British Legion.

This year it was feared that due to Covid there would be no concert at all but Black Country Radio boss Dave Brownhill offered to coordinate a recorded.

The Gentleman Songsters Male Voice Choir will be centre stage with several recorded items to supplement readings by Dudley College Students and historian Rose Cook - Monk plus interviews of ex-service personnel.

Current Mayor Councillor David Stanley will introduce the concert and Rev James Treasure of Top Church has agreed to officiate a small service of remembrance as part of the event.

Ian said: " This year is significant in that it is the 75th Anniversary of VE and VJ days as well as the 100th anniversary of that momentous ceremony of the Unknown Soldier which led a year later to the poppy movement that has become the symbol of Remembrance.”

“Steve Pitts of the Black Country T-Shirt shop procured and sold 1000 Black Country poppy badges with the proceeds going to the British Legion."