Which local festivals can I go to this summer?

There are dozens of festivals to go to around the West Midlands this summer

Festival season is well under way across the West Midlands, with plenty to do over the coming months across the region.

We've compiled a list of some of the dozens of events going on, catered to everyone from families to people with specific hobbies and interests.

Birmingham and Black Country

Sandwell & Birmingham Mela will host thousands in July

Sandwell & Birmingham Mela has been described by its organisers as the biggest South Asian music festival in Europe. Held at Victoria Park in Smethwick on 19 and 20 July, it is expected to attract more than 50,000 people.

CoCoMAD is a family festival of music, art, dance, science, circus, and food. You don't need a ticket, and it is held on 5 July at Cotteridge Park.

The Black Country Festival is a series of events across the area this summer, celebrating the Black Country. This includes Willenhall Transport Show on 29 June at the memorial park, and Sandwell Pride at the country park on 30 June.

MADE Festival will have several events in Digbeth this summer, after organisers announced in March that they would be diversifying. Formerly a weekend event, it will now be a series of festival-style day parties showcasing music, art and local talent.

The first was a dance music show on 31 May, with the organisers saying there is more to come this summer.

Coventry and Warwickshire

Clean Bandit will take to the main stage of Coventry's Godiva Festival on Saturday 5 July

Coventry's Godiva Festival is back this year, with the headliners confirmed as Marc Almond, Clean Bandit and Ocean Colour Scene. It is held in Coventry's War Memorial Park and runs from 4 to 6 July.

Earlier this year, the city council announced that ticket prices this year would be frozen.

If you're into beer, Coventry's Summer Beer Festival is on from 30 July to 3 August in Fargo Village. There will be live music and local beer, with free entry.

Warwick Folk Festival returns from 24 to 27 July at Castle Park. Its headliners are Richard Thompson, Le Vent du Nord, Kate Rusby and Martin Simpson.

Herefordshire and Worcestershire

Lakefest, at Eastnor Castle in Herefordshire, runs from 6 to 10 August. It has everything from music and entertainment, to comedy, craft activities and gaming. Its biggest acts include Faithless, Busted, Pixie Lott and a Groove Armada DJ set.

Leominster Festival is a huge series of events running from 1 to 14 June, celebrating the town and community. It is run by volunteers.

There are dozens of events happening, including a colour run, kids disco, live music, karaoke and a big street quiz.

Ledbury Poetry Festival is a 10-day festival from 27 June to 6 July. Events are scattered around at different venues, and there are even some that you can join virtually.

They include a poetry performance skills workshop for children, a reading of poetry by Alistair McGowan, and workshops.

Shropshire

Olly Murs is one of the headliners for Live at Ludlow Castle

Live at Ludlow Castle returns from 17 to 19 July and 25 to 27 July. Olly Murs, Supergrass, The Script, Texas, Jess Glynne and Eurovision entry Remember Monday are among confirmed acts.

Cally Rhodes, from Shrewsbury, a former BBC Introducing Artist of the Year for Shropshire, was chosen to support Murs' sold-out gig.

Shrewsbury Folk Festival will return to the town from 22 to 25 August, with traditional and contemporary folk artists from countries including the UK, America and Canada.

There will be four open air and covered music stages and a dance tent for ceilidhs, as well as workshops, a dedicated festival for children and teenagers including silent discos and circus skills, and an artisan shopping arena.

Alderfest hosts live music and events, as well as children's entertainment at Alderford Lake in Whitchurch on 4 and 5 July. Ella Henderson, Pixie Lott, Toploader and Vengaboys are all performing.

Telford Balloon Fiesta takes place from 22 to 24 August at Telford Town Park. It will see activities, events and of course balloons. Its popular night glow featuring illuminated balloons is also back this year.

Staffordshire

Forest Live at Cannock Chase Forest is a huge event happening this summer. Held from 25 to 28 June, it features artists like Nile Rodgers and Chic, Snow Patrol, Sting, and James.

It is set in the backdrop of the natural amphitheatre arena.

Trentham Estate will host five weekends of live music as part of Trentham Summer Concerts. From 27 June to 26 July, attendees can see concerts including a tribute to Queen, the millennial soundtrack, and the modern country music show.

The 18th Jazz & Blues Festival in Newcastle-under-Lyme is happening from 25 to 27 July. It boasts more than 70 gigs in 21 local venues.

Wolverhampton

WV1 Fest is a popular tribute festival running on 9 and 10 August. It has two stages of rock music tributes, with more than 30 live acts. This includes Knotslip and Link N Park.

There are several events happening which are part of the Black Country Festival - it is a unified festival that brings together the boroughs of Dudley, Wolverhampton, Walsall, and Sandwell.

One of which is the City of Wolverhampton Armed Forces Day is on 28 June on Park Road West. It includes a parade and armed forces band, as well as activities and a funfair.

Another is Come-Unity in the Park Christian Festival, held at Hickman Park in Bilston on 12 July. Featured is gospel music, entertainment and food and drink.