As well as the spectacular lights, laser shows, children's rides and live entertainment, this year's Illuminations can also boast of a new attraction, a £1 million 'Stratosphere'. Moving images will be projected onto 'Stratosphere', a 15 metre high translucent globe, which will take a starring role at the heart of Walsall Arboretum, after having travelled the world in shows from Hong Kong to Paris to London.  | | The Ferris wheel - 2005 Illuminations |
Also at the Illuminations will be the largest water animations the event has ever seen - the 40 metre high 'Supersonic Watercolours', designed by local artist Chu. And the 42-metre high Ferris wheel will return, after making its debut in 2005. Illuminations at the Arboretum from September 16 to October 29 2006. Tickets start at £5 for adults, £3.50 for children. Call: 0845 111 2900 or see: www.walsall-lights.com for more information. Tim Challans, Walsall Council assistant director of leisure, culture and lifelong learning, said: “We are very excited about the Illuminations this year and I’m proud to be able to announce the fabulous line up. “There is something there for all ages and plenty of new things to see and do. We’ve really pulled out all the stops this year with the Stratosphere and supersonic watercolours being the main attractions. “The Ferris wheel proved to be a big hit with the crowds and we’ve got that back by public demand.” Live entertainment at the 2006 IlluminationsLive entertainment will include; the silent comedy of Chaplin’s Bright Spark, the Bugtastic UV puppet lights show and mirth and mayhem from comedy pirates Chester and Wolly. Visitors can also join in the special treasure trail designed by children from Park Hall Junior School to win a family holiday to Disneyland Paris. There is also a chance to meet special characters Pirate Pete and the Baby Dinosaur as you explore the park. Special appearances are planned by children’s TV character SpongeBob SquarePants, family film stars Wallace and Gromit and Jake from CBBC’s smash hit show the Tweenies. "Demise of the Illuminations are wildly inaccurate"Walsall Council have rejected the claims in a local newspaper, that the Illuminations extravaganza "could be dropped for ever". Councillor Louise Harrison, Walsall Council cabinet member for leisure and culture, said: “Can I reassure people that reports of the demise of the Illuminations are wildly inaccurate and nothing more than a scare story. “In fact, we are preparing to unveil a line-up which is even bigger and better than last year which saw an increase in attendances. “There are so many positive things to say about the Illuminations this year. A lot of hard work from a lot of people goes into planning the event.” More than 188,000 revellers attended the 2005 Illuminations – up by 27,000 on the previous year. The future?A report has been drawn up for Walsall Council which outlines proposals for the future of the event. Councillor Harrison said: “It’s important to stress firstly, that the report features proposals which are just that. They are proposals which have not been decided upon. They are ideas which we may or may not act upon. “No decisions will be taken before very careful thought with the long term interests of the Illuminations paramount. “We wanted to be open and honest and set out all the options there are.” According to a statement released by the Council, the report says that a name change to ‘Black Country Festival’ has been considered but stresses that the Illuminations remains a strong brand. | 
