THE annual Teddy Bears Picnic takes place today (Sunday) at Rushen Abbey in Ballasalla and is expected to attract big crowds, with a pretty good weather forecast. There may be some showers, but it’s unlikely to put off too many teddy bear owners!
The picnic will be open from 10am to 6pm.
To encourage families to attend, children taking their teddy bears on the steam train service from Douglas will travel free of charge, under 5’s travel for free and one child travels free with every full fare paying adult.
The train service is another new idea introduced by the Department of Community Culture and Leisure to boost train passenger figures. In addition, a vintage double decker bus will greet passengers at Ballasalla for transport to Rushen Abbey.
The Abbey grounds will be full of entertainments and activities such as face painters, a mega slide, obstacle course, bouncy castle, rodeo bull simulators, kids and adult sumo and giant jenga. ‘Brendan the Bear’ will return to meet the teddy bears who have been brought along for the picnic by their owners.
Once there, teddies will bring their owners into Rushen Abbey for half price (£2). ACE card holders, Friends of MNH and under 5’s get in free.
Train operators are also offering special buffet picnic boxes at The Tickethall before departure, or a hamper or picnic box can be pre-ordered from the Abbey Restaurant. Visitors are also welcome to bring their own picnics into the grounds. Ice cream, popcorn and candy floss will all be available.
To help accommodate the popularity of this event, Isle of Man Steam Railway will be putting on additional trains and running an hourly service, departing Douglas station at: 09:50, 10:50, 11:50, 12:50, 13:50, 14:50, 15:50 and 17:30.
David Cretney, Minister for Community, Culture and Leisure, said, “Last year was the launch of the Railways Teddy Bears Picnic; it was a great success and one of the busiest days on the steam railway.
“The increased hourly service to Ballasalla will help ensure that no teddy is left behind and all can enjoy one of the Island’s most beautiful heritage sites, Rushen Abbey, before a picturesque journey home on the steam railway.”
