Thousands flock to the Walsall Arboretum to celebrate its 150th anniversary

Festivities were officially opened by the Mayor of Walsall, Councillor Chris Towe, before a powerful performance by The City of Birmingham Brass Band kicked off live music across two stages.

Popular local DJ Dicky Dodd, master of ceremonies on the bandstand, provided the perfect introduction to the bands throughout the day, sharing facts about the Arboretum and gathering memories from the audience.  

The excitement continued throughout the day thanks to a wide range of activities and attractions providing endless entertainment for people of all ages.

This included showcases of the groups that use the Arboretum including Walsall Arboretum Running Club, Community Cycle Club, MetaMinds and energetic performances from Glorishears of Brummagem Morris Dancers and Victorian-style performers wandering the centre green.  

Jon Hemming, Chair of Walsall Arboretum User Group, led a rousing rendition of happy birthday for the park, before a special cake, made by students from University College Birmingham, was shared with visitors.  

The much-anticipated return of the miniature railway also proved a hit with visitors, while the Walsall Arboretum Users Group conducted informative sessions, with many enjoying a unique guided tour led by Michael Glasson, a dedicated Woodland Trust volunteer who has recently documented the many ancient trees that make up the arboretum.  

The day was headlined by Slady, the world’s first all-female Slade tribute band, paying homage to Walsall native Noddy Holder, serving as the perfect sign-off for a spectacular celebration.   

The Arboretum’s celebrations continue with events including a visit from the popular Digbeth Dining Club (Saturday 6 July 2024), Walsall Pride (Saturday 24 August 2024) and culminating in Walsall Council’s traditional bonfire and firework display (Saturday 2 November 2024). 

Ends 

Notes to Editors:   

Walsall Arboretum is a rural retreat at the heart of Walsall town centre. First opened in 1874, it now spans 170 acres and includes Hatherton Lake, the country park and the extension.  

The site attracts over a million visitors a year, with people of all ages enjoying events such as the annual bonfire and fireworks, funfairs, fun runs and activities such as: cricket, tennis, bowling, informal football, walking, cycling, and running. The Sunday parkrun attracts hundreds of people every week. In summer, the splash pad and children’s play area also attract thousands of visitors. With a trim trail, skatepark and multi-use games area there really is something for everyone. And, in amongst all this activity, there are spaces for quiet contemplation and opportunities to enjoy the vast array of plants and animals that inhabit the space.  

Find out more about Walsall's parks and green spaces here: https://go.walsall.gov.uk/parks-and-green-spaces    

Arboretum facts and figures:  

• Attracts over 1 million visitors each year.  

• It spans 170 acres and includes the heritage core of the park, the extension as well as Walsall country park.  

• This year, Walsall Arboretum and country park were designated the first Ancient Tree Site in the West Midlands conurbation by the Woodland Trust, due to the exceptional number of veteran and ancient trees present. This designation places the Arboretum in the same company as Chatsworth, Richmond Park and Windsor Great Park. 

• The Arboretum is part of the UNESCO Black Country global Geopark with spans the region. It was formerly the site of limestone mines that were active between 1770-c.1835  

• Holds a place on Historic England’s National Heritage List for England, a unique register of our country's most significant historic buildings and sites  

• Home to the ‘Devil’s Toe’ - a glacial ‘erratic’ boulder which was carried from North Wales on an ice sheet around 400,000 years ago