Sleigh ride: Will it stay or will it go? Vote results are in
YOU HAVE DECIDED TO KEEP VINTAGE FESTIVE SLEIGH RIDE JUST AS IT IS
COVENTRY has voted to KEEP the city’s vintage festive sleigh ride scenery just as it has been for almost 60 years as it returns this Christmas.
The ride, formerly staged at The Co-Op on Corporation Street, is now a festive fixture at Coventry Transport Museum.
Ahead of this year’s return, the team at Coventry Transport Museum asked the public whether they should carry out running repairs on the existing scenery that the sleigh travels past on its journey to Santa, or whether to update it completely with a brand new scene.
The vote was tight on both the Coventry Transport Museum‘s Facebook page and the Coventry Live website, but sticking to the original scene won the day after a seven-day poll.
Francis Ranford, cultural and creative director of Culture Coventry, said: “We are delighted that so many members of the public engaged with the discussion surrounding the Sleigh’s scenery and we are happy to announce that the backdrop will reflect the original design that is loved by many local people.
“It was an extremely close vote, with hundreds of people getting involved, which shows what a special place the Sleigh Ride has in the city’s hearts.
“We can’t wait to welcome everyone as we all join together in reminiscing about our own childhoods with Santa and share that with the next generation. We would also like to say a huge thank you to our sponsors, Band Hatton Button, Coventry Business Improvement District (BID), CV Life, Dhillons Brewery and The Jade Studio for helping us make this year’s sleigh ride an extra magical experience.”
The sleigh returns on Saturday, November 24 until Sunday, December 23 at a range of times to suit families, including special slots for groups and families with SEN children. There will be no timed ticketing system this year, people can simply join the queue, pay at the ticket booth and enjoy their visit to Lapland.
The Vintage Festive Sleigh Ride experience will cost £6 per child with a present, £1.50 per adult with children (max three per child) and £5 for an adult ticket.
While waiting to climb aboard Santa’s Sleigh, children can take part in a range of activities and enjoy the company of Santa’s Elves.
Outside the museum will be fast, fun and festive activities run by Tommy’s Amusements. Sleigh Timings: Monday to Friday: 11am to 5pm (last ride 4.30pm) Saturday and Sunday: 10am to 6pm (last ride 5.30pm) SEN Groups 10am to 11am on Thursday, Nov 29 and Thursday, Dec 6 SEN Families 6pm to 7pm on Dec 13 and 20 Late night 6pm to 7pm on Wednesday, Dec 19