Wolverhampton's City Show could move after 43 years
The historic City Show could move away from West Park for the first time in 43 years, it can be revealed today.
Organisers are considering hosting the annual July event at Wolverhampton Racecourse.
At its peak the show has attracted crowds of 80,000 and was first held back in 1972.
It is believed the potential move would save much-needed cash as the council looks to save £134m by 2019.
But a former mayor warned that the move could be the death of the famous old show if bosses don't get it right.
Other benefits of moving to the racecourse are that it could hold indoor stalls and activities as well as outdoor.
The idea of the show was first mooted back in the 1950s.
It was not until 1972 when it was first held, called Wolverhampton Fiesta.
It has had various guises over the years including Wolverhampton Open Weekend and Wolverhampton Extravaganza.
It was renamed after Wolverhampton was granted city status in 2000.[/breakout]
And the long-standing issue of cars clogging streets around West Park wouldn't be a problem at the racecourse.
But it would be a huge break in tradition.
And a former organiser of the show said bosses would have to put on a spectacular event to attract crowds to a new venue.
Councillor Malcolm Gwinnett said: "Naturally everybody would prefer it to be at West Park but I can understand why they're looking at moving it.
"When we used to get 80,000 people there it was the best regional event in the West Midlands, without question. It was the show to come to.
"If they're moving it to a new venue they've got to get it right or it will be the end of it.
"It needs to be spectacular to make sure people turn up and I really hope it's a big success."
The show - free to attend until charges were first introduced two years ago - was given a rebrand last year when it was called the Wolverhampton and Black Country Show to coincide with Black Country Day.
The name of this year's show is also still being discussed.
Wolverhampton City Council spokesman Tim Clark said the show was a Wolverhampton success story.
He added: "However, in recent years people have expressed a view that the format could do with a bit of a refresh and we've listened to those calls - for example last year we incorporated a Black Country dimension and the commemorations of World War One.
"In addition, officers have been working on a proposal to look at the merits of moving the City Show from its traditional venue in West Park to Wolverhampton Racecourse.
"This piece of work is currently being finalised and will be presented to senior councillors over the coming weeks who will make a final decision."
