Walsall Illuminations must be affordable for all if they return says independent councillor

The leader of Walsall Community Independents has called for any return of the Walsall Illuminations to be affordable.

Councillor Aftab Nawaz said the event, if it does return, must be accessible for all residents in the borough “who are already paying too much council tax”.

Earlier this week the council’s deputy leader Councillor Nicky Barker announced the authority was in “advanced talks” to bring back the Walsall Illuminations which could be up and running as early as October 2027.

A feasibility study, including estimated costs and potential funding arrangements, will be shared with councillors for a full review in due course.

Trying to secure the return of the event, which ran for nearly six decades from 1951, was part of the election campaign for Walsall Community Independents.

Councillor Nawaz said the group had submitted a notice of motion to ask Reform about bringing back the event after a meeting of full council in September, ready for the next meeting on November 2.

But after Reform announced it was looking to bring back the event, the independents rescinded the notice.

Councillor Nawaz said: “During the 2026 election campaign Walsall Community Independents promised to support and do everything they could to bring back Walsall Illuminations to the arboretum. This was a commitment made to the people of Walsall.

“Many of us remember the long queues, hot food and dazzling lights when the illuminations were on. The introduction of the laser show over the lake was exhilarating for many residents, particularly children who would speak about them with wonder at school.

“The illuminations must be accessible to all our residents, including many who are struggling financially in this age of a cost-of-living crisis.

“The cost of the food, rides, entertainment and entry into the illuminations should not be more than a nominal amount and we will push for this. The people of Walsall already pay too much in council tax and having high entrance fees, costly food and expensive rides would be very restrictive.

“We will, therefore, ask the administration to ensure that the cost of taking your family – for Walsall residents – is as low as possible and subsidised so that all Walsall residents are able to enjoy the illuminations, rather than just those who have money to spare.

“We have been a strong voice and will continue to be a strong voice on bringing back the illuminations. We believe that the people of Walsall want the illuminations back and we believe that everyone, no matter their income, should be able to enjoy and access the illuminations.”