St Peter’s Church in Cradley is set to be illuminated each evening thanks to grants from the National Lottery Awards for All and Dudley Council’s Community Fund.

First discussed in 1990 when the tower was extensively restored, the idea was put on the back burner until the arrival of Rev Katryn Leclezio in 2011. Her dream was to see the tower illuminated at night to act as a beacon and make the church a landmark.

Katryn moved to become Vicar in the Bredon Hill Group of Parishes in 2021 but new vicar, Victoria Barlow has given everyone encouragement to see the project through to its completion. A church spokesperson said:

"We are extremely grateful to the National Lottery Awards for All and Dudley Borough Council’s Community Fund for funding this project.

On Saturday, people are invited to gather in the War Memorial Gardens from 6.00pm, and at 6.15pm the lights will be switched on following a countdown. Hot chocolate will be served afterwards, and everyone is invited to bring their camera.

It is planned that for a donation, people can sponsor the lights for a birthday, anniversary or in memory of a loved one and have them in the colour of their choice for that evening. The names of the sponsor will be put on the Facebook page along with the dedication for that evening."

Following the switch on everyone is invited to stay for a silent movie evening with Suffolk based musician, David Ivory where Buster Keaton’s 1926 masterpiece “The General” will be shown on the big screen. David will provide the soundtrack and sound effects using the church pipe organ.

Admission is free with a collection in aid of St Peter’s Community Vision Project which will see the community facilities of the building improved so that it can be used more by community groups.