Wolverhampton shines after Christmas lights switch-on
Released: 15 November 2007
More than a thousand people watched children’s TV favourites The Krankies, the Mayor of Wolverhampton and Britain’s Got Talent star Dominic Smith switch on the city centre’s Christmas lights.
The Krankies, who will be appearing in Dick Whittington at the Grand Theatre, were joined by the Wolverhampton Mayor, Councillor Trudy Bowen, and the local singer to light up the city, at Market Square yesterday.
The Beacon Radio Roadshow helped the crowds count down to the switch-on which took place at 6.30pm, with popular presenters Fresh and Jo hosting an evening of fun, games and competitions from 5pm. The roadshow also included local dance performers Dance Trek and singer Carla.
Street entertainers, free face painting, fairground rides and much more all added up to a great evening out for all the family. Free Santa hats were also given to the first 100 children to arrive on the square.
The event, in addition, signalled the start of late night shopping in the city, giving shoppers more time to prepare for the festive season.
Councillor Andrew Johnson, Chairman of the Christmas Festival Steering Group, said: “Once again it has been a terrific evening with some great performances and a lively turnout.
“The lights look superb and set the scene for a wonderful Christmas Festival, with events all over the city.”
The focus will move to Tettenhall’s Upper Green tomorrow, Friday 16 November when local sports celebrity Rachael Heyhoe-Flint will switch on the lights at 6.30pm.
The former England women’s cricket captain and current vice-president at Wolverhampton Wanderers will join the Wolf radio roadshow and presenter Dicky Dodd, while children’s rides bring further fun to the green and a raft of other entertainment begins at 5pm.
Elvis fever will then hit Bilston, when Paul Stevens provides his own tribute to ‘The King’ for the switch-on in Market Way on Saturday 17 November. Entertainment, which includes a local choir and Wolf radio will start at 4pm and the mayor will throw the switch at 5pm. On the same day the lights in Wednesfield will be switched on by local MC Jim Duncan and Moathouse choir, with a special appearance by Santa himself, between 4pm and 5pm.
At Tettenhall, Bilston and Wednesfield free santa hats will also be given to the first 50 children to arrive, each with a free prize draw ticket for the chance to win tickets to the Grand Theatre’s Dick Whittington panto.
For further information please call 01902 551155 or see the Wolverhampton City website.
Issued by the press office.