Frosty weather fails to dampen Walsall band's spirits

Members of band Good Traditions were faced with an icy blast as they prepared to perform at Walsall Arboretum.

But the nippy December temperatures failed to force the singers inside for their annual Carols in the Bandstand festivities.

Putting on a united front, the performers launched themselves into a tent after discovering they would be unable to take centre stage in the bandstand.

Arboretum park manager Louise Worton said: "We had to move it because the footpaths were really bad and icy around the bandstand.

"The band and carol singers were outside on a terrace, lots of people gathered inside and outside. It went really well.

"The weather didn't dampen our spirits. It was just wonderful."

Families donned their Santa hats and threw on their winter woollies as they enjoyed the gathering at the park on Saturday.

Carol singers and band players helped spread the festive cheer as Christmas tunes echoed across the area.

Guests, who poured into the arboretum to join the crowds singing along with the band, also tucked into mince pies and warming mulled wine as they watched on.

Miss Worton said it was the fourth year Good Traditions had encouraged the community to come together for the carol singing.

The 37-year-old added: "It's just a very traditional event, having a carol concert at Christmas. It's always been popular and supported by park users and the arboretum user group.

"People look forward to it now. We would not have cancelled it."