School children sing carols at Bilston and Wolverhampton outdoor markets - with pictures
Festive fever has struck Wolverhampton as dozens of school children sang their hearts out to shoppers across the city.
They took a break from their classes to sing carols as part of the initiative organised by Wolverhampton council to bring the spirit of Christmas to the streets.
Groups of around 40 children wearing Santa hats and reindeer antlers conducted the sing-a-thon at Bilston and Wolverhampton outdoor markets.
It began on Monday with children from Stowlawn Primary School in Wolverhampton singing carols in Bilston. On Tuesday, children from Warstones Primary performed at Wolverhampton Outdoor Market. Then, on Wednesday and Thursday, year five pupils from Corpus Christi Primary Academy and Stow Heath Primary performed at Bilston Market, too.
Then on Friday, pupils from De'yncourt Primary got in on the action and sang at Wolverhampton Outdoor Market.
The mini concerts lasted for around 30 minutes.
The scheme sees children picked up from their schools and brought to the market to perform for Christmas shoppers.
Also at the markets, visitors could visit grottos to add to the festive feel. Competitions, crafts, face painting and games were also on offer.
Bilston Market is open every day from December 12 to Christmas Eve for anybody that still needs to polish their shopping off, while Wolverhampton is open every day from December 19 to Christmas Eve. The City Council are offering free Christmas parking at Fold Street Car Park from noon today, and will be on offer for the rest of the week.
City of Wolverhampton Council cabinet member for city environment, Councillor Steve Evans, said: "The market traders are getting in the spirit for Christmas.
"I would urge families to go along to the city centre market or Bilston market and get themselves involved in the fun.
"We have already had some wonderful entertainment from school choirs with carols to get everyone in the festive mood," added Councillor Evans.
Shoppers were not only treated to the children singing, but a vast range of festive produce on offer too. The markets were full of joyous festive spirit, making sure that everyone was able to enjoy the holiday season with a smile on their faces as they prepared for the visit of Santa and spending time with their loved ones and friends on the big day.
Markets at Bilston, Wednesfield and Wolverhampton – not to mention countless other shopping opportunities across the Black Country, Birmingham and Staffordshire – are places that revellers could tick off their shopping list without compromising on the quality. Friendly traders were also on hand to offer helpful cooking advice along with fantastic service. All three markets are also open on Christmas Eve, so you can make sure you get fresh produce straight to the festive table or pick up those last minute presents all you last minute rushers.
Shoppers can also plan in advance by visiting one of the many butchers at Bilston or Wolverhampton's markets to pre-order a Christmas roast. Bilston Market is open every day this week up until to Christmas Eve, while Wolverhampton is open every day from December 19 to Christmas Eve.
