Security tightened for Enjoy Wolverhampton Live event

Visitors will only be able to get into the Queen Square event at three checkpoints and all bags will be searched.

DJ Dicky Dodd will open the event at midday with family fun for the afternoon and then the live gigs, including Toploader, The Hoosiers, Lucy Spraggan, Kevin Simm and Pacific will take place from 6pm.

Last year, visitors and shoppers could mill around Queen Square, but this year the area for the free event will be restricted.

People will only be able to access the site of the performances from three main entrances - on Dudley Street, Exchange Street and Lichfield Street.

Each entrance will be manned by security staff and everyone will have their bag inspected before being allowed in.

The site of the event will be thoroughly searched ahead of final set-up preparations being put in place.

Traffic restrictions also started at 8am today.

Restrictions are due to be in place along Darlington Street at the junction of Waterloo Road, and along Lichfield Street from outside the Art Gallery to the junction of Princes Square.

The organisers have also been working with the police who are carrying out patrols.

Cherry Shine, event manager, said: "We have changed the measures we had originally put in place after what happened in Manchester.

"Last year, at the 1980s fun fest event, we had enabled a free-flow of people throughout the centre throughout the day.

"Now, the flow of people will be controlled all day through the three entrances which will be manned by security staff.

"Our priority throughout the day is making sure people feel safe and secure and enjoy everything that Wolverhampton has to offer."

The drinking of alcohol will be allowed in the site, though people attending must decant their booze into plastic cups provided by the organisers.

A Public Space Protection Order (PSPO), which allows police to seize alcohol from people, in Queen Square will be lifted for the event.

Cherry Shine said: "People will be able to bring in a reasonable amount of alcohol. No glass bottles will be allowed in. People will have to decant their alcohol into the plastic cups we will provide in order to be allowed in.

"By providing the plastic cups it limits the amount that people can bring in - I don't know many people that can carry more than two plastic cups at a time.

"The PSPO is aimed at reducing street drinking to tackle anti-social behaviour. This is an event that encourages people to come along and enjoy Wolverhampton. The focus is not on the alcohol. Every major city across the UK has events such. By working with the police and introducing these controls, we will avoid any problems."

A spokesman for West Midlands Police said: "Armed response will not be policing the event.

"There will be an extra policing presence as it’s a public event and staffed by local neighbourhood teams."

Councillor Mike Hardacre, Labour councillor for Park ward, which is also covered by the PSPO said: "We want people to enjoy themselves and providing the necessary measures are put in place and it is properly stewarded then this decision to allow people to drink in the city centre does not seem unreasonable."

Speaking about the enhance security measures, Councillor Hardacre continued: "It is very clear in my mind that security needs to be enhanced until the national security picture becomes clearer.

"It is only correct therefore that the local authority and other relevant authorities are taking these new measures that though not overly obtrusive, will better ensure that people can enjoy themselves safely and securely."

The Civic Centre car park will be open from Wulfruna Street only and will have extended opening hours until 11pm. So will the NCP car parks in the city.