Thousands flock to Wolverhampton village Christmas lights event

Around 5,000 people descended on Tettenhall Upper Green for the annual switching-on of the Christmas lights.

Wolves legend Steve Bull and mayor of Wolverhampton Councillor Michael Heap did the honours as the crowds packed around the village.

They were there with their Santa hats, Christmas jumpers and flashing lights as the picturesque setting was illuminated to officially kick-off the festivities in Tettenhall.

Tettenhall Rotary Club member Chris Starkey, of Wightwick, looks at the Christmas lights, Upper Green, Tettenhall.

Among those there were Melanie Grychtol, aged 35, and her husband Jaime Grychtol, 36, from Claregate.

They brought along their children Freya, three, and Sienna, five months.

Mrs Grychtol said: "This will be first time my daughter Freya will remember anything like this so it felt right to come along and enjoy a family night out.

"The weather has helped and it is obviously really busy but we weren't put off by the crowds. We come to Tettenhall quite a bit so it was only natural to come here to see the lights turned on.

"We enjoy walks here and it's such a picturesque place so the Christmas lights only add to that."

Switching on the Christmas lights, (left-right) mayoress of Wolverhampton Frances Heap, Mayor of Wolverhampton Michael Heap, Steve Bull MBE, Charles Clark Toyota representative Dawn Holmes, and Santa Claus (Brian Tranter, from Tettenhall Rotary Club, at Upper Green, Tettenhall.

Jo Doggett, 31, and Dave Garbett, 32, from Kingswinford were there with their one-year-old son Oliver.

Miss Doggett said: "This is the first time we have been to see the lights switched on over here and the atmosphere is really nice. It's been enjoyable."

Mark Humphreys, 40, and Amy Garbett, 25, from Tettenhall were also paying their first visit.

Mr Humphreys said : "We enjoy the Christmas lights but we don't tend to come to see them switched on but we decided to this year and we've made a real night of it."

One of the lights organisers was Mark Blackstock who said that the event is getting bigger each year.

Christmas lights, at Upper Green, Tettenhall.

He said: "This is something that started a few years ago and I remember there being about 50 people, but now look at it, there are thousands and it's getting bigger as each year passes.

"It's always a fun occasion and just like the lights at Wolverhampton, Bilston and Wednesfield they are all really well attended."

Fellow organiser Shane Gibbons added: "A lot of people have turned out this year and it's been a really friendly atmosphere. I know a few local businesses have done a roaring trade. We may need to make more room for more people next year."