Huge crowds flocked to Sutton town Centre on Bank Holiday Monday, August 29th to welcome a big visitor – the world’s most realistic Tyrannosaurus Rex!
Chomp the friendly T-Rex, helped by his handlers, stomped into the town centre followed by monster-sized crowds who turned out to roar him on.
The visit by the giant dinosaur was part of the new Visit Royal Sutton Coldfield programme, organised by Sutton Coldfield Business Improvement District (BID), which aims to encourage more people to choose the town centre as a destination to spend time, eat, drink, shop and relax.
BID Manager Michelle Baker said:
“The crowds were huge for Chomp, but thankfully he was well behaved, and his handlers made sure everyone got to meet him – without getting too close!
“There was an audible gasp when people saw him for the first time – and it was great to see so many families filling the town centre.
“There’s a real buzz of excitement around the town centre for events like this, which is why we’re planning lots of others and new attractions to get people to visit and see what we have to offer.”
Free face painting was laid on for visitors on Bank Holiday Monday too, with youngsters queuing up to get a colourful design.
The next attraction planned for the town centre is the new Farmers Market, which will take place along the Parade on the last Sunday of the month from 10am-2pm with dates confirmed as September 25th, October 30th, November 27th. Traders already confirmed for the first market include stalls selling local organic meat, a fishmonger, a cheesemaker and fresh pies as well as colourful cakes by renowned baker Cakes-A-Daisy.
Sutton Coldfield BID £200,000 per annum for town centre and business improvements. 377 businesses in the town centre pay a levy which funds town centre initiatives and events.