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Celebrations in Walsall

Walsall Illuminations organisers say that more people than ever have visited the show in 2007. They estimate that around 65,000 visitors passed through the gates in the first two weeks of the family-friendly event.

Walsall Illuminations, at Walsall Arboretum, opened on 19 October. The show will close on 2nd December 2007.

Opening night

BBC WM reporter Chris Blakemore went along to the opening:

Walsall Illuminations 2007: Jungle River

"The Illuminations this year are being held later than usual. They're normally on in September and October but this year they're on until 2nd December meaning they'll include celebrations for Halloween, Bonfire Night and the run up to Christmas. There are a few new additions this year like a log flume ride.

"I liked the performance of the world famous Gandini Jugglers who will be parading their skills in a marquee. My daughter Molly loved all the characters and is a big fan of Spongebob Squarepants, but she's really looking forward to Dora the Explorer who'll be making a personal appearance at the illuminations on 11th November."

Helen Blakemore and four-year-old Molly

Eye Fidelity

For this year's event Walsall artist Chu has created 'Eye Fidelity' a new light show along the Poplar Walk section of the arboretum. His animation beamed onto a wall of water, proved the most popular visitor feature at the 2006 Walsall Illuminations.

Another new addition, water ride Jungle River, will give people the chance to travel as if they were explorers in boats. They'll float along a five hundred metre stream before plunging down a 30 feet long slide.

"It’s going to be a really exciting year," said Walsall councillor Louise Harrison.

"We’ve worked hard to create a great attraction and we’re confident we’ve done that. The Jungle River ride is going to really wow people and I know people of all ages won’t be able to wait to use it."

Chu prepares 'Eye Fidelity' for the show

Chu’s new lights feature, along with the new Jungle River water ride, will combine with regular Walsall Illuminations features like laser shows, children's rides and live entertainment.

Children's television characters scheduled to appear include Shaun the Sheep and Dora the Explorer.

"Chu's feature will amaze people!"

Councillor Harrison is convinced that Chu's work, whose real name is Wayne Edwards, will continue to impress visitors to the attraction.

Chu at the Arboretum

"Chu’s feature is really going to amaze people," she said. "We’re building 36 light boxes with almost 10,000 LEDs which will create waves of rolling colours rippling on either side of you as you walk along the path."

The light boxes will be fitted on boards 10 feet by four feet high, giving visitors an immediate visual impact on their entrance to the show.

Tickets

Illuminations are at the arboretum from October 19 to December 2 2007. Tickets start at £5 for adults, £3.50 for children. Call: 0845 111 2900 or see: www.walsall-lights.com for more information