BBC Breakfast Show’s Talk of the Town - Poem by Ian McMillan
The BBC's Breakfast Show asked viewers to name a city with an undeserved reputation.
Wolverhampton was announced as the winner, and beat Holyhead, Milton Keynes, Middlesbrough and Paisley to win an original poem celebrating the city. The poem is published below and was written by Ian McMillan.
Poem by Ian McMillan
Wolverhampton’s a city that’s often dismissed
Like your auntie at a party that’s never been kissed;
But like your Auntie this city’s got so much to offer,
So to the doubter, the cynic, the grump and the scoffer
I say follow me on a tour of a place
That’ll put back the smile on your post-Christmas face!
Wolverhampton has a theatre that’s simply quite Grand,
An oasis to slake a vast cultural thirst
There’s an all-weather racecourse: sit in the stand
In all weathers and watch your horse coming in first;
There’s a centre of learning; an honours degree
Well worth the price of the tuition fee!
Wolverhampton goes back quite a way in the past
And was founded by Lady Wulfruna
In the year 985 and its wealth once was vast
Like Robert Plant, hirsute Wolverhampton crooner!
It made its fortune from a huge trade in wool.
And if it’s football you want then there’s always Steve Bull…
Wolverhampton’s like my auntie: could not be called pretty
But Yam Yams don’t care: this is their vibrant home
A tolerant, open and welcoming city
The rival of Paris, the equal of Rome
And to those who give cities like this one much grief
I say stay here a while, take your time, look beneath:
Cos Like my Auntie this city’s got so much to give
And I say Wolverhampton’s a fine place to live!
You can keep Barcelona and stuff New York
Cos I love the way the Yam Yams talk!
Copyright 2006 Ian McMillan
Feedback
We would like to hear your views. What do you think of Wolverhampton's nomination as 'undiscovered gem'. What is your response to the city's representation in the poem printed above?
Responses can be emailed to us by using the online form below, or emailed to us directly at webmaster@wolverhampton.gov.uk.