City News

The award-winning Drayton Manor Theme Park, near Tamworth, Staffordshire, will celebrate this year’s festive season by re-opening its popular Thomas Land™ attraction.

Thomas Land will be open from Saturday 22nd November to Sunday 4th January 2009, treating mums, dads and youngsters to a magical Christmas extravaganza.

Christmas in Thomas Land – a truly magical Christmas experience
Snow will set the scene at Drayton Manor as it falls every other hour to transform Sodor into a winter wonderland.

There will be entertainment in Thomas Land with singers performing to the crowds and the Fat Controller will be meeting and greeting the young and young at heart as they enjoy a magical day out.

Bobo the Clown will be busy face painting using Christmas inspired themes and Mrs Kindley will be making the Fat Controller’s Christmas pudding in the fun filled Christmas capers. There is also the enchanting valley of the trees for visitors to see as they take a ride on Thomas the Tank Engine and Percy.

And there is no need to worry if the weather is a bit chilly, as Drayton Manor has organised for outdoor heating and undercover areas to provide shelter from the snow. To add even more authenticity, visitors can see Santa’s real reindeer as they relax in preparation for a busy night on Christmas Eve.

Santa’s Magical Adventure – Live on Stage
Throughout the special Christmas opening there will be plenty of family fun on offer, including a new live stage show called Santa’s Magical Adventure starring Santa himself.

The show, held in the heated Big Top theatre, follows a young girl who has written a very long Christmas list for Santa, but she is taken on a journey to discover the real meaning of Christmas. Along the way she meets a number of characters, including a toy soldier and toy doll who help guide her along her journey.

An ice rink will be centre stage in the show, along with white miniature Shetland ponies and performers, professional ice skaters and dancers will entertain the crowds. The real star of the show is Santa himself who has taken time out from his busy schedule and has signed a contract with Drayton Manor to appear this year at the park.

The 30-minute show culminates with all children under the age of nine receiving a free gift from Santa.

Drayton Manor Zoo
If that isn’t enough, the park’s ever-popular zoo will also remain open during the festive season, offering visitors the chance to see a wide variety of animals from big cats to monkeys and primates.

Colin Bryan, Managing Director of Drayton Manor Theme Park, commented: “This is the first time we have opened during the festive season so we are all very excited. We have experienced one of our busiest seasons ever with over one million people visiting and we’re looking forward to providing plenty of festive family entertainment.

“It is fantastic value for money and children get the chance to have a fun day out with the family and meet the real Santa as he gets ready for his busiest season ever.”

Drayton Manor unveiled Europe’s first and only Thomas Land in March 2008 and it quickly became a success. It boasts 12 themed rides based on the loveable and well-known characters from Thomas & Friends™, including Thomas the Tank Engine, Harold the Helicopter, Cranky the Crane and The Troublesome Trucks. Thomas Land also offers a wonderful indoor play area, café and a huge shop where fans can choose from a massive range of Thomas & Friends goodies.

The main theme park will be closed for the winter season and will re-open on Saturday 21st March 2009.

Thomas Land opening dates:
Saturday 22nd November to Tuesday 23rd December and Saturday 27th December to Sunday 4th January 2009.