Fewer nights for Illuminations

Attractions at Walsall Illuminations will be running for just five weeks as council chiefs aim to revive the events flagging fortunes this year.

The reduced timescale will aim to attract more visitors to the Arboretum and cut down on costs after record losses of £200,000 last time.

More live shows and popular cartoon characters will be part of the lights extravaganza which starts on September 26. It has been brought forward again after last year's timetable change to fit in with Christmas flopped.

Walsall Council bosses have also introduced a different pricing structure in the hope of attracting more than 150,000 visitors to the illuminations which were previously six weeks long.

A giant water ride hailed as one of last year's star attractions has been axed for 2008 with the emphasis on live shows, lights, lasers and a traditional fun fair until the close on November 2.

Last year an all-time low crowd of 120,000 visited the event, dubbed the Midlands' equivalent to Blackpool Illuminations, resulting in record losses of £200,000 and there were fears for its long-term future.

Shortening its running period will help reduce costs.

The line-up this year will see live shows in an entertainment marquee on Thursdays and Fridays alternating between Bob The Builder, Angelina Ballerina and Barney the Dinosaur.

On Saturdays there will be a different guest appearance from Dora the Explorer, Noddy, Peppa Pig, SpongeBob Squarepants and Mister Bump.

Light displays include new scenes from Nickelodeon's Dora the Explorer and sister programme Go Diego Go will be on offer throughout the 38-day extravaganza. A unique SpongeBob Squarepants laser show over the lake, never seen in the country before, is also being introduced.

Admission on the usually quieter nights from Sunday to Wednesday will be £6 for adults and £4 for children. Prices on Thursday to Saturday will be £7 for adults and £5 concessions with family tickets available every night. Park and ride facilities will be on offer throughout the event. Tickets go on sale from August 1.