Walsall Illuminations will be back

Date Published : 18 January 2010

Walsall’s much-loved Illuminations will be coming back to the Arboretum following a multi-million pound restoration project, it was pledged today.

Walsall Council Leader Councillor Mike Bird, said media reports claiming otherwise were “totally untrue” and had angered the community.

“Let’s be absolutely clear on this – Walsall Illuminations are not being scrapped,” said Councillor Bird.

“To suggest otherwise is totally untrue and, quite frankly, irresponsible.

“While the Arboretum Restoration Project is underway there will not be an event but we have never said the event is not coming back.

“To suggest otherwise has caused a great deal of upset within Walsall – as well as further afield.

“No-one is saying that any future events will be an exact replica of what has been done previously but our commitment to the illuminations is clear.”

The Heritage Lottery Fund has approved the Arboretum Stage 2 submission and awarded £4.7m of funding towards the restoration of the Arboretum

The overall restoration programme will cost £7.6m with match funding provided by Walsall Council and other sources.

Refurbishment of the bandstand and boathouse, extensive path improvements and infrastructure to support an illuminated park are also features of the revamp.