Hi ho Wolverhampton! There's a lot to shout about in our city centre
Talking Point columnist Vicky Price says Wolverhampton has a lot to offer
My first Talking Point column was a reflection on the negativity around the new outdoor market in Wolverhampton city centre – and what a reaction I got!
How dare I like and be positive about something new in the city - the Keyboard Warriors had an absolute field day.
Have they put me off supporting the city? Absolutely not! Without positively the city will not grow and there is a lot to shout about at the moment.
For starters let’s discuss the leisure offering, yes the Civic is closed for refurbishment but it’s not stopped the World Championship Darts still taking place in Wolverhampton at Aldersley Stadium.
The Grand Theatre has an award-winning pantomime and a season jam-packed with West End shows.
Wolverhampton Racecourse is one of the busiest all-weather tracks in the country and has recently played host to a fantastic outdoor concert with the Kaiser Chiefs.
Unless you’ve been living under a rock for the last 18 months I don’t need to highlight how the Wolves have been storming the world of football.
Not only can you see Premier League football in the city centre, next year you can gather up your ‘Handbags and Your Gladrags’ and see the legend Rod Stewart in an outdoor concert!
The city also has The Lighthouse, an independent cinema, the Arena Theatre, the art gallery and Newhampton Arts Centre.
So next time someone says there’s nothing to do in the city centre think again. There are so many things to do and with price tags to suit all budgets.
I also love the fact that the city is not full of chain bars and restaurants. There are so many independent places that the community should support.
Ten years ago I would have been straight on the train to Birmingham for a night out, these days I would much rather stay in Wolverhampton.
And before anyone says it, yes, that could be because of my age but I do prefer the independent personal touch that Wolverhampton has to offer.
Now I will admit we could do with a few more high profile shops (I don’t have completely rose tinted glasses on) but we do have some gems!
I believe we have one of the largest H&M’s in the Midlands, Debenhams is a fantastic department store with a wonderful café, Beatties has been saved and independent shops are popping up all over the place.
It will be an interesting one to watch as we know retail businesses need a re-think about what they offer with the ever growing rise of internet shopping.
I will leave my crusade there for now, but before you knock it, come and try it!
Vicky Price is associate director of development and communications for the Grand Theatre in Wolverhampton.
