Festivals on way to city parks

Ambitious plans for big-name music festivals, plays and dance shows in the parks of Wolverhampton were revealed today.

Council bosses want a R&B show in East Park, rock and pop extravaganza in West Park and live music, drama and dance in Hickman Park.

It is hoped the events will attract acts including Status Quo, Deep Purple, Sugababes and stars from the X Factor.

The announcement is part of a shake-up of live events in the city with the aim of boosting the local economy. It is hoped the events will pull in scores more visitors to hotels, restaurants, bars and shops. The East Park R&B event would be organised along with Bilston's Robin 2 and tickets are expected to be around £10 or £20. The two-day rock and pop concert would be held in the first weekend of July with tickets costing £20 per day.

The council has made an application for dance, drama and both live and recorded music in Bilston's Hickman Park from 9am until 10pm.

Outdoor events spokesman Jonn Penney today welcomed the news, saying it would boost both the city's profile and economy.

He said: "The city of Wolverhampton has obviously got very deep roots in rock and pop music and it's only right that it pulls in some of the industry's top names to the area.

"The people of Wolverhampton know their music inside out and there is no reason why we should play second fiddle to Birmingham any longer. Thanks to the V Festival, the area is gaining a great reputation for music. Artists previously reluctant to come to Wolverhampton have been wowed by the audience reaction here."

The Express & Star reported yesterday how fans of Wolvestock, the largest free country music event in the country which is held in East Park each summer, may be charged for tickets from next year.

The festival, which has been running for the last 14 years, costs more than £21,000 to put on and attracted 20,000 people in July. The local authority is considering charging fans between £10 and £20 for tickets.

For more information about the plans visit www.wolverhampton.gov.uk