Solved: Light finally shone on mystery lasers over Telford

People will be able to see the display from laser artist Dal Badial on New Year’s Day and January 2.

However, it has also emerged a number of the Telford residents had been baffled at the sight of lasers in the sky and reported the matter to the police.

Pc Lee Thomas, from Newport safer neighbourhood team, said: “There have been five or six reports in Donnington and one in Newport. Officers are aware testing is being carried out for these celebrations.”

Light is a main theme of Telford 50, symbolising celebration and the borough’s bright future.

The year will start with a laser art installation that display will traverse the borough and is intended to “connect communities” on its path to the Wrekin – representing how the 50th anniversary will connect people and places.

Seven laser light beams, from 5pm to 10pm on both days, will shoot across the night sky over Telford and Wrekin, figuratively connecting the borough communities and kick-starting a year-long programme of events to celebrate Telford 50.

The lasers will originate from seven different locations, converging on the Wrekin – the borough’s highest landmark – from almost 10 miles away. People living in the communities closest to the light beam path should be able to see the lasers from their own homes, back gardens or nearby streets.

There have been half a dozen reports of green laser lights being seen in the skies around Telford in recent weeks but police have confirmed the sightings are linked to the laser art display.

As the laser lights mark the start of Telford 50 celebration, people who see them are encouraged to share the moment with family and friends.

Anyone who sees the lasers can post photos of the display on the council’s social media pages using the hashtag #TF50light.

Anyone who wants to be kept updated on the laser art installation and to see photos of it can go to the council’s main Facebook, Twitter and Instagram accounts as well as to the dedicated Telford 50 Facebook group.

The international laser artist Mr Badial, from London-based company Laser Hire London UK Ltd, said: “We are very excited to be part of the Telford 50 celebration and to mark the start of the anniversary year right from the beginning of it.

“This is one of the largest laser light installations over distance that we have done – as we will be connecting at the same time seven laser beams (emerging from different locations of the borough) to the Wrekin, from in some cases, almost 10 miles away. The laser beams will pass over many communities of the borough and we hope that many people will see and enjoy them. Happy Birthday, Telford.”

Telford’s 50th year will see a range of anniversary celebrations and events all year through, many of them being community-led.

These will include parties, festivals, carnivals, events and other festive activities that people can join in.

Floral frenzy will mark 50th birthday celebrations

Each of Telford and Wrekin’s 170,000 residents will get their own floral tribute in the town next week as part of special birthday celebrations.

To mark the 50th anniversary of the new town being named Telford in November 1968, Telford & Wrekin’s council is preparing to plant one daffodil for each of the borough’s residents on roadside locations in the town centre.

Planting has already started and will continue over several weeks.

A council spokesman said: “The spring flowers are a perennial favourite that will provide a glorious burst of golden colour that gives pleasure to locals and visitors for many years to come. The flowers will also be a lifeline for pollinating insects emerging as the weather warms up and pollen and nectar are hard to come by.

“The anniversary daffodils will be planted at Hollinsgate Mound and two other verges along Rampart Way, providing a bright welcome for passing motorists.”

Councillor John Minor, Telford & Wrekin cabinet member for leisure, green spaces and parks, said: “The wildflower planting that we started a few years ago has given a lot of people a lot of pleasure, and has also been great for wildlife. The snowy weather has delayed the planting but we should still get a showing this coming spring.

“They will be a welcome sight and a great source of sustenance for early pollinators.”