Free shows in doubt after TV star chaos
Merry Hill Centre managers are considering introducing a nominal charge for children's entertainment events following chaos surrounding a visit by TV's Mr Tumble.
Westfield, owners of the shopping centre in Brierley Hill, wants to bring in a £1 charge per person for shows such as the visit of the CBeebies star this week.
Around 2,000 people turned up to see Mr Tumbley, but just 1,000 tickets were available for the four free performances.
Westfield marketing manager Kelly Reed said the fees could be introduced for this summer's school holidays, and all proceeds would go to the centre's nominated charity, Mary Stevens Hospice, in Stourbridge..
"The idea of charging a small amount for charity was suggested to me at the Mr Tumble event. It is something we have been talking about and we have already spoken to Mary Stevens Hospice about it," she said.
"If we brought in a £1 charge it would only cost a family of six £6, which is great value for money for, say, a 40-minute show.
"Our target is to raise £15,000 for the hospice and this would be a great opportunity for our shoppers to donate in the holidays."
Families queued outside from 6am for tickets to see presenter Justin Fletcher perform as Mr Tumble on Wednesday.
Wristbands gave access to a special area in front of the stage – with unlucky families who missed out having to watch from further back or from the upper level.
Fletcher stayed upbeat about the scramble to see his show, saying he was "overwhelmed" by the crowds.
Westfield bosses blamed unprecedented and unexpected demand for the ticket problems.
Ms Reed said disappointed parents were given VIP tickets for future events at Merry Hill, but added that most people had told her the show was "absolutely fantastic".
