Work starts on Illuminations 2008

Date Published : 22 August 2008

A countdown has started to the Walsall Illuminations 2008 as teams of experts have started work in the Arboretum.

More than 50 workers will work over the next five weeks to transform the 30-acre green space into the annual lights extravaganza.

Thousands of people from across the country are set to head to Walsall for the show that has a series of new surprises.

Aside from 200 lights features, live shows with children's TV stars will take place in a big top.

Characters Dora the Explorer will be up in lights with Spongebob Squarepants to star in the lakeside laser show.

Councillor Louise Harrison, Walsall Council cabinet member for leisure and culture, said: “Staff are working really hard to turn the Arboretum into a real splash of light and colour and as the days go by we will see the place transform ready for opening night on September 26 2008.

“We’re really looking forward to this year’s show. We’ve listened very carefully to what people would like to see at the Illuminations and we’ve made many significant improvements.

“We’ve moved the start time back to its traditional September slot and we have a 1,200-seater big top where stars such as Bob the Builder and Barney the Dinosaur will perform.

“It’s a great family-friendly show that we are very proud of and we think people will really love.”

Walsall Illuminations 2008 runs from September 26 2008 to November 2 2008 with all tickets bought in advance valid on any of the 38 nights the Illuminations is running.

Advance tickets start at £6 for adults with children under three admitted free.

For more information and for a full list of outlets selling tickets for the Walsall-Council organized event go to www.walsall-lights.com or call 0845 111 2909.