City News

Drayton Manor Theme Park has been in negotiations all year and can finally announce that it has signed a contract with the real Santa* to appear at Drayton Manor Theme Park throughout the Christmas season.

The park is re-opening its popular Thomas Land™ attraction on Saturday 22nd November until 4th January 2009 and will treat the young and young at heart to a truly magical Christmas experience.

To ensure Santa isn’t too homesick, Drayton Manor is recreating a winter wonderland where snow will be falling every other hour in Thomas Land. He is also bringing along his real reindeer so the children can see them as they relax in preparation for Christmas Eve.

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 for all the family.

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 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 is going to be the star of the live show called Santa’s Magical Adventure, which 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. As a special treat for those children who see the show in the Big Top theatre, Santa and his little helpers have been busy making some presents especially for the park’s visitors which will be given to all those under the age of nine at no additional cost.

Colin Bryan, managing director for Drayton Manor Theme Park, commented: “I have been busy over the last few months calling Lapland and speaking to Santa to tell him how excited the children of Staffordshire will be if he can come here to meet them and he has finally agreed for him and Mrs Claus to spend Christmas here at Drayton Manor.

“We signed the contract last week but only after one clause was agreed to – that he can take Christmas Eve off as he is already booked that night!”
 
For children wanting to write to Santa with their wishes for Christmas, Drayton Manor has set up a special email www.draytonmanorlive.co.uk/wonderland and all correspondence will be passed onto him directly.

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, 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.