It’s 50 years since Nottingham’s Victoria Centre opened its doors for the first time and, to mark the milestone moment, the centre and its team celebrated with party-themed activities.
On Wednesday 9 November, the centre marked five decades at the heart of the city, following a year-long list of events to commemorate the occasion.
Throughout the day, 50 shoppers got their hands on a unique goody bag which included a selection of retailer treats and Victoria Centre-branded merchandise.
Festivities also included a live musical performance of ‘Happy Birthday’, as well as songs from community ensembles, the Tuneless Choir, Ruddington Community Choir and Bridgford Liberty Singers, and the cutting of a giant cake in the shape of the iconic Clocktower.
The chocolate cake, comprising ten layers and taking three days to assemble, was an edible replica of the Clocktower and included a motorised clock face.
Events held at the centre throughout the year to mark the 50th anniversary included its Wall of Fame installations, a competition for school children to design a new butterfly for the Emett Clock, and the hunt for the real life ‘Stars’ of the birthday campaign.
Nigel Wheatley, centre director at Victoria Centre, said:
“Marking the centre’s 50th birthday has been hugely rewarding for everyone involved at the centre. We’ve been able to re-connect with some familiar faces, dive into the archives and look back at the centre’s successes over the years.
“It’s been incredibly fulfilling to have been at the helm of the centre during such a milestone, especially as I’ve seen for myself the hard work, dedication and passion that goes into running it day-in-day-out.
“From our events over the last year, it’s clear the centre has, and continues to play, an integral role in so many peoples’ lives. The aim of the campaign has always been to put those people at the forefront of our celebrations and I really feel we’ve been able to do that.”
Nigel, added:
“We’ve looked back so much over the last 12-months, and now we’ll be looking ahead to what the next 50 years holds for the centre. We hope it continues to be a place for families and friends to get together and make new memories.”
• Nottinghamshire pupil gets his name on Victoria Centre’s Emett Clock
