Walsall Illuminations could make a dazzling return

A popular family festival may be set to return to the Black Country after a council said it was in "advanced talks" to bring it back, 15 years after it was scrapped.

Walsall Illuminations was first held in 1951 at the town's arboretum as part of the Festival of Britain, running until 2008 before being stopped for good by the then-Conservative administration in 2011 due to falling visitor numbers.

The event featured laser shows, lakeside displays and other light performances.

Now, the deputy leader of the authority's Reform administration said discussions for its return were "ongoing" and residents should have some "positive news very soon".

Councillor Nicky Barker, portfolio holder for regeneration, said there was still work to be done, but added the administration was "really excited about how discussions are progressing".

She said that discussions began with organisers in August.

"Walsall has a rich history and heritage and there are certain things that hold a really special place in the hearts of local people," said Barker.

"Before we were elected we said we would do everything we can to protect our heritage and do more for the community and that is exactly what we're doing.

"For decades, the Walsall Illuminations were a much-loved part of Walsall's history and wouldn't it be wonderful to see them lighting up our borough once again?"

In 2008, when the event was cancelled, the council said it was losing about £150,000 a year because of falling visitor numbers.

Figures at the time revealed that in 2008, just over 111,000 visitors attended the attraction during its run from September to November, compared with 377,000 in 1989.

In 2013, hundreds of light boards from the Walsall Illuminations were put up for sale by the borough council.

They included illuminated pirates, dinosaurs and a giant robot, and cost about £50 each, with profits from sales being put into council funds.

Since the cancellation, an annual bonfire and firework display at the arboretum has also become a firm favourite, with the venue saying it had attracted crowds of up to 15,000 people.

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