Year of celebrations to mark Wolverhampton's city status

A year of celebrations has been announced to mark the 10th anniversary since Wolverhampton became a city.

Planned events throughout 2011 will see the anniversary theme used throughout the year.

Thousands of children will learn the history of the city as schools will be asked to run lessons commemorating the event. Meanwhile historic books will be put on display and Wolverhampton's landmarks will once again throw open their doors in September.

But bosses said that with 28 per cent budget cuts being imposed they could not afford any extra money to mark the year.

Wolverhampton was one of three towns granted city status by the Queen in 2000, along with Inverness and Brighton and Hove.

In total 39 towns had applied to be one of the Queen's millennium cities.

Since it became a city Wolverhampton has seen its Market Square redeveloped, the refurbishment of the landmark Molineux Hotel and art gallery and a new £12 million leisure centre in Wednesfield.

Work has also started on a £22.5m bus station and there are plans for a £67m business park, the i54 in Fordhouses.

Councillor Matt Holdcroft, cabinet member for leisure and culture, said: "We're using the 10th anniversary as an opportunity to get more people to enjoy the city."

Among the features of the year-long programme are a special 10th anniversary theme for Wolverhampton's floral displays, a story competition organised by Wolverhampton's libraries service, displays of historic books and other exhibitions, resource packs for schools and a "health challenge" linking other millennium cities including Brighton and Hove and Inverness.

The city's Molineux Hotel, St Peter's Church, Banks's Brewery, Orthodox Jewish Cemetery and Bantock House are all among landmarks set to open again in September for heritage days. Regular dates in the city's calendar — including the City Show — will also have a special 10th anniversary theme.

City council leader Councillor Neville Patten said: "I hope 2011 will be a year of celebration, reflection and looking forward."