On 8 October, Copthorne Merry Hill-Dudley hosted the Dudley Mayor’s Ball and Civic Awards. The annual event raises funds for charity, and also celebrate the achievements of citizens who have made a significant contribution to the community in the Dudley borough. The recent edition had been postponed from 2020 due to the pandemic.

Awards were given out to Dudley residents across seven categories that evening, including the Frank Foley Award for Community Spirit which honours those who have made an outstanding contribution to the community, and the Duncan Edwards Award for Sport, for citizens who have achieved in any sport, or those who have worked tirelessly behind the scenes at local sporting clubs and groups.

In addition to hosting the event, Copthorne Merry Hill-Dudley were also the sponsors of the Cedric Hardwicke Award for Arts. The award honours those who have contributed to raising the profile of arts in the borough, and went to Hurst Hill Performers and Pantomime Players. Around for over 40 years, the group produces pantomimes and youth productions to raise funds for the local church and has members of all ages. Dudley Dynamics Rock and Choir Group, one of the largest community choirs in the West Midlands with around 150 members, were named runner-up.

The event was a great success, and the Copthorne Merry Hill-Dudley team was thanked by the Dudley Council, with discussions underway for the hotel to host the event again in 2022.