Express & Star

Grand Slam of Darts: Hundreds flock to Wolverhampton for opening weekend

'One hundred and eightyyyyy'

Published
Anthony Hadfield, Richard Poole, Giles Nutkins from Nantwich

It takes just four words to spark boisterous cheers, on-seat dancing and yet more beer drinking.

A fully-packed crowd are enjoying the first two days of the Bwin Grand Slam of Darts at Wolverhampton's Civic Hall.

Dressed as cartoon characters, church vicars and the opposite sex, people have come from across the country to watch the tournament's opening two days in the city.

The front stage of the hall has been turned into a busy platform for the darts, surrounded by television cameras transmitting the event live.

On the floor are lines of tables filled with darts fans dressed in all colours. People also fill the balcony above for a bird's eye view on proceedings.

And a walkway takes the players, accompanied by women, to the stage while music played.

The games, featuring 32 players from around the world, start at 1pm for the afternoon session, and then 8pm for the evening.

Up for grabs is a prize fund of £110,000 for the winner.

Birthday father, Andy Turner, from Wall Heath
The crowd cheers
Julie Pugh from Shrewsbury
L-R: Rob Davis, Di Cook, Rich Cook, Ian Spittle from Cannock
The packed crowd at the Civic
The packed crowd at the Civic
Jane Millard from Tividale
It is the numbers which matter
Hulk Hogan joins in the action

Among those watching the games unfold was Andy Turner, who was celebrating his 53rd birthday with his family on Saturday.

The Royal Mail worker, from Wall Heath, was with his wife Rona, 56, daughter Jennifer Moore, 31, and daughter-in-law Kelly Wassell, 30.

He said: "I often come to the this event - it is always a good show, the atmosphere is excellent, better here than the bigger venues."

Mark Gilbert, 49, from Tipton, came to support Black Country-based player Jamie Hughes. Hughes wears a shirt featuring the Black Country colours.

He faced Raymond van Barneveld on Saturday night.

Mr Gilbert, who works for Severn Trent, said: "I do play darts at home, but this is the first time I've been to one of these events.

"I'm here with Jamie's family to support him, its good to get behind the local lad."

Former Kinver schoolboy Richard Poole returned to the Black Country with friends Anthony Hadfield and Giles Nutkins. The trio, who dressed as church vicars, live in Nantwich, but made the trip to Wolverhampton for the weekend for the darts.

Mr Poole, 51, who works in marketing, said: "We follow the darts around the country, but here is one of the best venues, it is our third time here.

"We stay overnight and make a weekend out of it, it must be good for the city when this comes round, we certainly enjoy ourselves."

Andrew Rimell, 42, from Oswestry, watched the darts from the balcony with his wife Lindsey, 44, and friends Scott and Jane Millard, 42 and 37, from Tividale.

Mr Rimell, a sign-maker, said: "It is our first time here. The atmosphere of the place is the first thing which jumps out at you."

The darts event goes on to this weekend, taking place every night this week. It has brought a welcome boost for the city economy with hotels taking good custom.

The venue reopened during its ongoing revamp for the event, along with appearances from Robert Plant, Jimmy Carr and John Bishop.

It will close again on January 2.