Bridgnorth will host a sparkling Christmas display – using lights borrowed from Walsall Illuminations, it emerged today.

Town bosses have called on Walsall Council to hand over the lights for the colourful three-day display next month. They are being delivered to the town after Walsall axed its illuminations show after 58 years. Bridgnorth’s Castle Grounds will be lit up with more than 100 displays.

The three-day event, from December 10 to 12, is being organised by the Bridgnorth Town Centre Management Partnership.

Councillor Iain Seivewright said: “The TCMP expects to make a loss on the event but it is a wonderful opportunity to get people into Bridgnorth to show them what we can do as well as being appealing to residents. We were very impressed when we went to see them at Walsall.”

The Walsall Illuminations event was first launched in 1951.

But Walsall Council has decided it can no longer afford to spend £200,000 of council taxpayers’ money each year on subsidising the event at the arboretum, which is to undergo a £7.9 million facelift.

Councillor Mike Bird, Walsall Council leader, said: “We have been approached by Bridgnorth Council to borrow eight boards from our illuminations for three days for a Christmas event. In return for this they are offering a sum of £500.

“When you consider that we have more than 200 lights features you can appreciate that this would be very small scale.

“The illuminations did not take place this year because of the recession.

“In the current financial climate it was decided that a very large scale six-week long event was not a wise financial risk to take.”

Bridgnorth town councillors have welcomed news of the new lights display.

Councillor Mac Griffiths said: “We all want to drive this forward. It will be ideal for the town. It will provide excellent entertainment in the park and bring people into the town. The children will enjoy it.”

Admission to the Bridgnorth event is £1 for children, accompanying adults go free.