Theme park to open for Christmas capers

Thomas Land will be open from next Saturday to January 4, for a festive extravaganza at the theme park, near Tamworth.

Snow will set the scene at Drayton Manor as it falls every other hour to transform the attraction 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 visitors.

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 an enchanting valley of trees for visitors to see as they take a ride on Thomas the Tank Engine and Percy.

Visitors will have no need to worry about the cold either as theme park bosses have organised for outdoor heating and undercover areas to shelter from the snow.

A new live show called Santa's Magical Adventure will be held in a heated big top theatre with an ice rink and white miniature Shetland ponies and performers, ice skaters and dancers entertaining the crowds.

The park's ever-popular zoo will also remain open during this period.

Colin Bryan, managing director of Drayton Manor Theme Park, said: "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.

Due to high demand, visitors are advised to pre-book to avoid disappointment by calling 0844 472 1960 or online at www.draytonmanor.co.uk