Wolverhampton's West Park 'Winter Wonderland' to create 25 jobs

The event, the first of its kind, will feature festive stalls, a roller skating rink and a marquee featuring a walk-through Frozen experience.

It has been unveiled by Wolverhampton Councillor Malcolm Gwinnett, who said he has teamed up with the Harry Jones Fun Fair to host the event which starts on December 16.

Visitors can also enjoy a parade of Santa arriving with costumed characters every night.

There will also be a choir, snow machines and the trees will all be lit up.

It is hoped it will pull in crowds of around 2,000 people a day.

Councillor Gwinnett said: "We have got about 15 market stalls, all themed, we have got the Christmas walk-through experience under a big marquee and the Frozen experience.

"There will also be a big wheel, carousel and Frozen inflatables.

"Things have been going downhill of late with funding cuts, the idea is to put some sparkle back into Wolverhampton."

The Winter Wonderland starts on December 16 and will run from 5pm - 9pm on the Wednesday to Friday, it will run from 12noon until 9pm on the Saturday and Sunday through to Wednesday and will be closed Christmas Eve and Day.

On Boxing Day and Sunday it will open from 12noon to 9pm.

Entry is £2 for adults and £5 for children, with children's entry including a gift from Santa, a Christmas hat and mince pie.

A family ticket is priced at £12 which admits two adults and two children. Meanwhile, 20,000 leaflets are being sent out to schools with £1 off vouchers.

The event is the latest boost to the city which will also be seeing a new Wolverhampton Festival next year.

It will also be held at West Park and is also being organised by Councillor Gwinnett who said it is in answer to the annual City Show becoming 'a bit of a disaster'.

For the first time in its four-decade history, the City Show moved from West Park this year. Its relocation to Wolverhampton Racecourse saw just 4,712 people attend - down from 18,000 visitors the previous year.