Tamworth creatives to display angel wings for festive light switch-on

Tamworth’s residents are being encouraged to put on their thinking caps and spread their creative wings for a festive project to spread Christmas cheer.

Following on from last year’s successful We are Angels trail, Tamworth arts group New Urban Era – who are funded by Arts Council England and local grants – will once again be leading the project in partnership with Tamworth Borough Council’s Arts and Events team, South Staffordshire College and Ankerside Shopping Centre.

It is scheduled to launch as part of the Sunday, November 28th Christmas Lights Switch-On event. The goal is to create a trail of original artwork produced by professional artists, students and the general public, and placing it across locations in the town centre such as Ankerside Shopping Centre, Tamworth Castle Grounds, Tamworth Assembly Rooms and many other locations for the public to seek out.

Cllr Robert Pritchard, Deputy Leader of Tamworth Borough Council, said: “This is a fantastic way for everyone to get involved, get creative and get in the festive Christmas spirit. It’s only two months away but we’re already excited as we’ve got so many events coming up for families, children and visitors to enjoy their holidays in Tamworth.”

A first for this year’s event, Tamworth Castle will be lit up with an animated We are Angels projection, with the wings being displayed through a large digital format at 5.30pm, showcasing last year’s as well as this year’s entries – along with children’s Christmas-themed artworks.

What’s more, small pop-up projections will also be appearing at events and venues around the town displaying the public entities. Local artists Wingy and Helen Martin will be amongst the professional artists creating original artwork for the general public to have photo ‘selfie’ opportunities next to while visiting the town centre.

Local schools Two Rivers High School, Glascote Academy and Kingsbury Primary School have already confirmed they will be participating in the project.

South Staffordshire College students and local artist Andy Nash held a free workshop on Thursday, October 28 at Ankerside Shopping Centre, with many people – including the general public – taking part and getting an early start on their angel wings.

New Urban Era founder Vic Brown, added: “We’re delighted to bring back this amazing project which truly shows the community spirit of Tamworth with schools, artists, club and community members coming together and creating artwork in preparation for Christmas in the town.

“Everyone is committed to creating an environment in the town centre that’s cosy, welcoming and warm for the people of Tamworth but as well as for visitors to experience the festivities of Christmas in our amazing.”

Whilst it is in the preliminary stages, there are also plans in place to use the photos of the wings to create an exhibition at Tamworth Assembly Rooms in the New Year.

The general public, schools and clubs are encouraged to send in their angel’s wings designs via email to weareangelstamworth@gmail.com.