Tigers mascot to visit exhibition that’s a roaring success

THERE’S more than one tiger coming to tea at Charnwood Museum, Loughborough, today, when Leicester Tigers mascot Welford drops in on the popular The Tiger Who Came to Tea exhibition.

A familiar face on the touchline at Leicester Tigers matches, Welford will be at the museum on February 16, taking some time out of his busy rugby schedule to pop along to museum in the town’s Queen’s Park.

He will sit down for tea with the 4ft tall cuddly tiger in the recreated Sophie’s kitchen, part of the exhibition based on Judith Kerr’s beloved children’s book, which has sold more than a million copies since its publication in 1968.

Welford will be at the museum from noon to 3pm. As well as meeting visitors and posing for photos, he will be bringing along some fun games and activities, including Spin the Wheel and Vault, with prizes for the winners.

A Leicester Tigers spokesman said: “We are incredibly excited to be coming down to the exhibition with Welford to meet everyone.”

Councillor Christine Radford, Leicestershire County Council’s cabinet member for heritage, leisure and arts, said: “The Tiger Who Came to Tea exhibition has been hugely popular with visitors of all ages. In January alone, more than 3,000 people came to see it.”

Councillor Jenny Bokor, lead member for Loughborough at Charnwood Borough Council, said: “We have seen a superb response to The Tiger Who Came to Tea exhibition at Charnwood Museum, and we can’t wait to have another tiger pay a visit.

“What a fantastic addition to the exhibition a visit from Welford will be.

“Children and parents alike will no doubt have a lot of fun.

“A big thank you to Leicester Tigers.”

The Tiger Who Came to Tea exhibition runs until March 5.

It was originated by Seven Stories, the National Centre for Children’s Books, and features illustrations from The Tiger Who Came to Tea, as well as Sophie’s kitchen, where young visitors can sit down to tea with the big cuddly tiger, a reading area, dressing up, puzzles and Tiger-related activities.

Entry to the exhibition is free. The museum is open Wednesday to Saturday, 10am to 3pm.