'My grandad used to tell me the flashing lights meant the Martians were coming'

Jenna still remembers standing beside the lake at Walsall Illuminations as a child, watching colourful displays reflected in the water while clutching a balloon.

"My grandad used to tell me the flashing lights meant the Martians were coming," she laughed.

For generations of Black Country families, a trip to the annual spectacle at Walsall Arboretum was as much a part of autumn as fireworks and falling leaves.

So when Walsall Council revealed this week that it was exploring bringing the attraction back, memories came flooding back for people who grew up with illuminated pirates, giant robots and laser shows.

The much-loved event began in 1951 as part of the Festival of Britain and ran for more than half a century before declining visitor numbers and rising costs led to its closure.

Now, 15 years after visitors last wandered through the displays, residents are daring to hope they may one day return.

Jenna, who grew up in nearby Tipton, remembers family outings to the illuminations as a highlight of the year.

"I can still remember getting a balloon and walking round with all the family," she said.

"It always felt really exciting. Seeing all the reflections in the water was lovely."

The attraction evolved over the decades but became famous for its colourful illuminations, lakeside displays and family-friendly atmosphere.

Visitors recall queueing outside to get in before spending an evening wandering among illuminated dinosaurs, pirates, giant robots and other larger-than-life installations.

There were funfair rides, laser shows and food stalls, making it a seasonal fixture for families across the Black Country.

For Joanne Jones, those trips became treasured family memories.

She remembers visiting with her parents and brother before heading home for an end-of-evening treat.

"I just remember there was my mum, my dad, my brother. We'd all go around there and, as a treat on the way home, we'd have a bag of chips," she said.

"I think it's brilliant that the council is exploring bringing the event back.

"It's something for people to do and be a family again."

The event's future looked firmly consigned to history after it was discontinued.

Visitor numbers had fallen significantly from their peak years, and the council said the attraction was losing money.

Many of the famous displays were later sold off, including illuminated pirates, dinosaurs and robots that had become familiar sights for generations of visitors.

Earlier this week, however, the council announced it was exploring whether a modern version of the attraction could return to the arboretum.

Initial discussions have begun around the possibility of creating a new light trail and family attraction, although councillors stressed that feasibility studies, funding arrangements and infrastructure assessments still need to take place before any decision is made.

Despite that uncertainty, many residents have been quick to share their excitement.

"Walsall Lights were a big part of my childhood," said Neil Davies, 68.

"I remember walking around the arboretum seeing the lights reflecting off the water and going on the rides."

Phil Sutton, 67, said visiting the attraction was "a fantastic treat" for his family and became the unofficial start of Christmas.

"It was our start to the Christmas build-up every year," he said.

Others believe the event could help the town itself.

Sisters Karen Smith and Lin Whitehouse said the illuminations brought visitors into Walsall and helped create a sense of pride in the area.

"It would be brilliant news," Smith said.

Filmmaker Emily Summers, from Bostin' Creative Arts and Theatre in Walsall, said memories of the illuminations have never really faded.

During lockdown, she made a film celebrating the arboretum and found talk repeatedly returned to the same subject.

"It's a conversation that everybody has every year, and always has had since they came to an end," she said.

"Just amazing memories of the illuminations.

"Especially growing up in Walsall, everybody loves the Arboretum. It's something that brings everyone together."

Yet alongside the excitement is a note of caution.

"I just don't want to get my hopes up too much," she added.

Follow BBC Birmingham on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.