Walsall lights change dates

Walsall Illuminations is to switch dates this year to include Halloween, bonfire night and the run-up to Christmas in a bid to improve flagging visitor numbers.

The biggest lights show outside Blackpool will take place between October 19 and December 2 this year.

Walsall Council bosses have always staged the 50-year-old event during September and October.

But this decision has been made to try and increase the amount of people who passes through the gates of the Arboretum.

Last year 157,000 people visited the six week event in September and October.

It was the lowest figure in 10 years and one of the worst in living memory.

The change in dates will allow the illuminations to link up to the borough's many light celebrations and festivals including Halloween, bonfire night and Diwali as well as the build-up to Christmas.

Tim Challans, Walsall Council assistant director for leisure and culture, said: "These are very exciting times for Walsall Illuminations. It's clear how much people love the Illuminations.

"They also love to come together to celebrate landmarks like bonfire night. It makes sense for us to make those lights festivals part of the Illuminations."