HUNDREDS of young fans had an oinking great time when children’s favourite Peppa Pig made a return visit to a Wrexham shopping centre.
Along with her little brother George the cute piggies made a VIP appearance at Eagles Meadow to give dedicated followers of their on-screen exploits a real half term treat.
The much-loved duo arrived direct from making their big screen debut in Peppa Pig: The Golden Boots at the centre’s Odeon cinema on Valentine’s Day.
The film, which sees Peppa appear in her first ever 15-minute special episode to be shown in movie theatres, follows her desperate quest across land, sea and even into space to find her missing golden boots before the “big Puddle Jump Competition”.
As they trotted into Eagles Meadow, Peppa and George were greeted by hundreds of fans who had been queuing up patiently to meet and greet them during a series of special appearances throughout the morning.
One of the first come face to face with her TV heroes were six-year-old Seren Edwards and her little sister, Lily, two, from Borras in Wrexham.
They had been brought along by their aunt, Natasha Morgan, 24, of Maes y Dre, who said: “They’ve both been big fans for a long time.”
Lily, who showed off her Peppa devotion by wearing a smart pink coat adorned with pictures of her favourite piggy, said: “What I love best about her is the way she jumps over puddles just like me.”
Nanny Ceri Hopkins, 38, had brought along two other huge Peppa fans, four-year-old Maddie Salmoraghi and her younger brother Leo, one, from Gresford.
Ceri said: “They’re both into Peppa in a big way so it’s been great for them to see her live today.
“Leo in particular is a massive fan and has all the Peppa DVDs and toys.”
The word from Leo was: “I think she’s great!”
The loyalties of three-year-old twin sisters Holly and Ffion Williams from Llay were split firmly between Peppa and brother George, according to their mum Alison, 31, who was accompanying them on their big day out.
It was obvious which character was Ffion’s favourite from the Peppa bag she was carrying proudly on her back, while sister Holly had a similar bag bearing the name of George.
Alison Williams said: “We’ve been queuing quite a long time to see Peppa but the twins are both massive fans and have been dying to meet her.”
Another mum pleased to bring along her children to see Peppa and George was 44-year-old Clare Williams from Tallarn Green near Malpas.
She had with her four-year-old Annabelle and brother Alfie, two.
Annabelle said: “I love Peppa because she has a pink dress and I’d like one just like it.”
And Alfie said: “I like George because his favourite toy is a dinosaur – and I love dinosaurs too.”
Five-year-old Macey Parry and her two-year-old sister Raya along with their cousin Jaxon Edwards all came along from their homes in Gwersyllt to meet Peppa and George.
They queued for half an hour for the chance to see them but didn’t mind a bit about the wait, according to mum Kelly Parry, 33, who was with them.
Macey said: “I love Peppa because she wears golden wellies and likes chocolate – just like me.”
And Jaxon said: “I watch all Peppa’s films and I’m really glad I got the chance to meet her today.”
For the uninitiated, Peppa Pig is a lovable but slightly bossy little pig and lives with Mummy Pig, Daddy Pig and her little brother, George.
Peppa likes playing with her best friend, Suzy Sheep, visiting Granny and Grandpa Pig and looking after George.
Most of all, though, she loves jumping up and down in muddy puddles, laughing and making loud snorting noises.
Peppa Pig has been a fixture on our television screens for the past 11 years and is one of the most successful TV programmes ever.
The show has aired in 180 countries across the world and continues to dominate TV listings in the UK where it can be seen several times daily on Channel 5 and Nick Jr.
Eagles Meadow Manager Kevin Critchley was thrilled to welcome Peppa and George back to Wrexham.
He said: “We thought it would be nice if we introduced a bit of fun for our shoppers and their families at Eagles Meadow during the half term holiday.
“Peppa and George attracted a huge number of young fans last time they were here and this time there was an even bigger response thanks to their recent big screen debut.”
Watch the trailer for Peppa Pig: The Golden Boots at www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zk4AQ-pwTFs
