Fans have welcomed enhanced security arrangements introduced at the City of Wolverhampton Council's Civic and Wulfrun Halls entertainment venues last week.

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To strengthen security and public safety inside and outside both venues a number of temporary measures are now in operation, including road closures around the Civic and Wulfrun Halls on show nights.

There is also enhanced security measures outside and in the buildings, with searches taking place prior to people entering the venues and concrete barriers installed outside for the safety of pedestrians.

The new arrangements were put into place for the first time on Friday night (20 October) for a sell out performance by W.A.S.P, with over 1,100 fans descending on the Wulfrun Hall to see the 80s metal icons in action.

Councillor John Reynolds, the City of Wolverhampton Council's Cabinet Member for City Economy, said: "The enhanced security measures were well received by concert goers.

"Our staff spoke to a number of customers who, in light of recent terrorist attacks in other parts of the country and around the world, were slightly nervous about coming to a gig and who found it reassuring that they would have to be searched on entry.

"I would like to thank people for heeding our warnings to allow themselves extra time to pass through security, and it was pleasing that we managed to keep queues to a minimum even though this was a sell out performance."

In her review of W.A.S.P's gig, Express & Star group online entertainments editor Kirsten Rawlins noted: "As we went through the searches and barriers it admittedly felt a little like we were heading into a festival than a gig, but the additional checks were very welcome and reassuring.

"Though it's unfortunate the City has had to bring in these measures and senses are clearly heightened, it was good to know we were being looked after."

Commenting on the Wolverhampton Today Facebook page, one individual wrote: "Smart moves, Wolverhampton Council. Well done." Another added: "Sad but sensible... a sign of the times."

With more big names coming to the Civic and Wulfrun Halls in the coming weeks, including comedians Jimmy Carr, Henning Wehn, Lee Nelson and Rich Hall, and 8,000 people expected at the Civic Hall on Saturday and Sunday for the 10th anniversary of the ever popular West Midlands Vegan Festival, fans are urged to familiarise themselves with the enhanced security measures.

These include road closures for major events, with Red Lion Street, Mitre Fold and North Street shut to all traffic when shows are taking place. This will mean that people wishing to park at the Civic Centre will need to access the car park via Wulfruna Street.

Alternative car parks, all within a 10 minute walk of the Civic and Wulfrun Halls, will be open as usual, including Broad Street, Fryer Street, School Street, Fold Street, Peel Street and Temple Street. The pedestrian route to the Civic Hall from the Civic Centre car park will remain open.

Searches prior to entry will take place in covered areas outside the Civic and Wulfrun Halls. No bags over the size of an A4 sheet of paper will be allowed into either venue, and no bottles will be permitted.

For more details, please visit Type=links;Linkid=9800;Title=wolvescivic - your viist;Target=_blank;.

  • released: Tuesday 24 October, 2017