The Home of Metal roadshow with vintage mobile cinema

1 – 4 SEPTEMBER 2011

Wolverhampton, Dudley, Walsall, Cradley Heath

THE HOME OF METAL ROADSHOW WITH VINTAGE MOBILE CINEMA

THE HOME OF METAL ROADSHOW WITH VINTAGE MOBILE CINEMA

Roll up and rock on as the Home of Metal Black Country Weekender comes to your town! Join in the festivities from 1-4 September as Home of Metal lets loose across the Black Country to continue the celebration of the music that was born in the region. www.homeofmetal.com

The weekend is bursting with events all inspired by Heavy Metal and its unique birthplace. Highlights include a touring Vintage Mobile Cinema (www.vintagemobilecinema.co.uk) which will be travelling across the Black Country with a programme of free films and activities.

The picture-palace-on-wheels was originally used to promote modern factory methods in the 1960s. After a few years of service the original fleet of seven was sold off, and by 2003 the only known survivor was rusting in a field in Essex. After 5 years of restoration, the vehicle has been touring the country. The Mobile Cinema will be the star of the BBC2 series ‘The Reel History of Britain’ with Melvyn Bragg which will commence on Monday 5 September at 6.30pm. Throughout the Black  Country Weekender you can see the vehicle in all its glory.

The industrial landscape of the West Midlands is often credited as one of the factors which helped shape the sound of heavy metal, and you’ll find plenty of sparks flying in a selection of archive film and television. A special archive programme Roots of Metal will features footage of Hingley’s chain works in Netherton and the enormous blast furnace at Bilston, referred to affectionately as Elizabeth. Acclaimed artists Juneau Projects (www.juneauprojects.co.uk) will also be joining them with DIY musical instrument workshops. Use cardboard, add some simple electronics to trigger sound samples, then take to the stage and play!

Thursday 1 Sept | 3pm – 8pm | Queen Square, Wolverhampton (Vintage Mobile Cinema only)

Friday 2 Sept | 10am – 4pm | Dudley Museum & Art Gallery

Saturday 3 Sept | 11am – 4pm | The New Art Gallery Walsall

Sunday 4 Sept | 11am – 4pm | Haden Hill House