Fans fizz as Coca Cola truck calls in to Wolverhampton
If any brand name has become synonymous with Christmas, surely it is Coca-Cola. The fizzy drinks firm has been featuring Santa in its adverts since the 1920s and yesterday crowds of families swarmed into Wolverhampton's Market Square as the Coca-Cola Christmas Truck rolled into town to mark the start of the festive season.
Families queued to have their pictures taken with the iconic truck which has featured in the firm's TV advertisements, and to receive free gifts.
Among them was Aaron Bhangi, aged 21, who went with his six-year-old brother Ryan Singh. Mr Bhangi, who lives in Bilston, said: "I wish we had come when it was here last year.
It's been quite good."
Simon Groves, aged 38, arrived with his daughters Taylor, 13, and Leah, eight, and his girlfriend Sonia.
Mr Groves, of Moor Street, Wednesbury, said: "We were going to wait in the queue but it was too long. It's OK though," he added. "It's been a good time." A choir sang seasonal carols while festive elves serve chilled drinks throughout the day.
Event manager Ashley Jenkins said: "We have had a very successful day. It has been extremely busy."
The truck, which is the star of the Holidays are Coming Christmas advert, is making its way around 52 stops in the UK, ending on the December 23.
Former mayor of Wolverhampton, Councillor Malcolm Gwinnett, said: "There must have been thousands of people there throughout the day.
"Even at 6.45pm there were still around 200 people in the queue. People didn't just want to have their picture taken with it, they were staying around afterwards.
