It’s more hip op than hip hop but the dancing grannies who make up the world’s first trolley dance display team are heading for Wrexham.
The hilarious Granny Turismo, a group of “grannies gone bad” rampaging around on souped-up shopping trolleys, will be the star attraction at fun-packed student event on October 5.
Visitors to the Eagles Meadow Shopping Centre will see them cut some shapes on the back of their pimped up Segways.
Their agents, Fool’s Paradise, say the ‘grannies’ are looking forward to bringing their laugh-a-minute act to Wrexham after delighting audiences up and down the country since 2009.
Granny Turismo cause a storm wherever they go and have a massive social media following.
A video of them performing at Gatwick Airport went viral and attracted more than 226,000 views on Facebook.
The team was formed by former stilt-walkers Martin Long and Ric Taylor.
The pals had been instrumental in forming Quirkus, a well-respected community circus in Manchester, now 20 years old.
They pooled their talents with other friends from the entertainment industry to create the gregarious grannies – Margery, Mary, Doris, Betty Gladys, Betty, Marlene and Joy.
Fool’s Paradise spokeswoman Kate Wilson said: “Granny Turismo never fail to delight audiences of all ages.
“Playing music through their ‘trolleys’ they descend on a shopping centre or busy town centre street and begin to dance. They have their audiences in stitches.
“Once seen, never forgotten. Wrexham will love them.”
Student Night will offer shoppers a chance to see them rev up their trolleys and wear their twin sets with gusto.
They will be in action at Eagles Meadow as part of an action-packed entertainment event from 5-8pm.
DJ Ben Sheppard from Capital Radio’s breakfast show will spin the latest hits from a base in Top Shop.
Shoppers can try their hand at Beer Pong – a game where players throw a ping pong ball across a table in a bid to land the ball in a cup of beer and claim the drink.
There will be a chance to win Odeon Cinema tickets and take selfies in a specially designed ‘pap’ area.
Many stores will feature special offers to give a helping hand to hard-up youngsters with plenty of discounts and offers available.
There will be 20 per cent discount at fashion stores River Island and Top Shop and at Clintons cards and gifts.
American Italian style restaurant Frankie and Bennys also has a 20% discount while Nandos will be the venue for a spicy wing challenge.
Phone shop Three is offering special SIM only deals and Odeon Cinema has a ticket discounts.
Eagles Meadow manager Kevin Critchley said: “The new intake of students have just arrived in Wrexham and following Freshers’ Week we want to welcome students, many who come from different regions of the country, to Eagles Meadow.
“It can be difficult moving to a new town and not knowing what to expect or where to shop or spend leisure time. This is our way of welcoming students and showing them what an amazing place Wrexham is.
“It’s all about welcoming new students to the town and showing them what a fun and above all safe and welcoming place Wrexham is.
“We are pleased Ben Sheppard and Capital Radio team are joining us for the evening. It promises to be lots of fun as well as the chance to bag some exclusive discounts from participating stores.
“The Student Night means students don’t have to travel to find discounts and while they do tend to be fashion-conscious, especially Wrexham, they don’t usually have big budgets.
“There is a good range of shops at Eagles Meadow and they’re offering some excellent discounts on what should be a really fun night for the many students in Wrexham.
“It’s a really good way to show them that Eagles Meadow is a place where they can shop and that we have something for everyone.
“With Granny Turismo and other fun activities, our visitors are guaranteed a really lively evening.”
For more information on Student Night and upcoming events visit www.eagles-meadow.co.uk
