Wolverhampton gears up for 'biggest show'

The inaugural Wolverhampton and Black Country Show takes place this weeked to celebrate Black Country Day - and organisers want people across the region to take part.

It is one of several events marking the Black Country Day, which officially takes place on Monday.

It will run alongside a special BBC First World War event at the city's West Park on tomorrow and Sunday, with tens and thousands of people expected to flock to the two shows.

Bosses at Wolverhampton City Council predicted it will be the biggest event the city has ever seen.

The revamped show will once again feature monster trucks as one of the attractions on offer along with entertainment from singers, dancers and musicians.

A talent show will give performers the chance to show off their skills, a miniature steam railway will travel around the park, and Banks's Beer Festival will also form part of it.

It runs from 11am to 6pm on both days with entry £3 for adults and £2 for children.

Leisure chief Councillor Elias Mattu said: "This is going to be the city's biggest ever show.

"We have lots of new events and look forward to welcoming everyone into Wolverhampton for what I'm sure will be a fantastic event.

"Wolves will also be bringing the League One trophy, which represents a great opportunity for supporters to see it first hand.

"We are extremely excited for this event and hope that people will turn up in great numbers."

The Harry Jones Fun Fair will also be unveiling a brand new £500,000 ride for thrill seekers.

The Skyflyer will send people spinning around at 100 ft in the air.

Wolverhampton councillor Malcolm Gwinnett said: "It's a brilliant ride.

"We've never had anything like this at the City Show.

"And it's even more special because it's the first time anyone, anywhere will ride this particular one.

"There are only about three made in the UK per year."

Organisers hope the BBC World War One at Home Tour, which is visiting just eight towns and cities in the UK, will pull in an extra 10,000 visitors.

Eastenders star Larry Lamb and Pop Idol judge turned railway expert Pete Waterman will be among the guest hosts at the BBC event.

It runs from 10.30am to 6pm on both days and will include hands-on activities, performances and interactive sessions, aimed at people aged eight to 80. Entry is free.

A Park View Hotel, opposite West Park, is hosting dozens of dignitaries for a lunch organised by the BBC on Saturday.

Lamb will host the 'briefing room' on the same day, presenting talks with war experts covering a host of First World War topics.

Lucy Siegle, from BBC's The One Show, will do the same job on Sunday, while music mogul Pete Waterman will attend on both days giving talks about the history of trains and the railways during the war.

Visitors can be put through their paces on an outdoor parade ground or make their own First World War ID permit.

Children can take on Harriet's Spy Quest, inspired by upcoming CBBC drama Harriet's Army, and try to solve a series of clues around the site.

And people can also learn how medicine and communications were transformed during the war, including demonstrations of how carrier pigeons were an invaluable resource for sending messages.

The Cavell Nurses' Trust will also demonstrate the role of World War One nurses.