THE Isle of Man’s steam trains are getting involved in this weekend’s Teddy Bears Picnic event at Rushen Abbey by laying on extra services for teddies and their owners from Douglas railway station.
Children taking their teddy bears on any steam train service tomorrow (Sunday) will travel free of charge, under 5’s travel for free and one child travels free with every full fare paying adult.
The initiative 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 bears who have been brought along for the picnic by their loving owners.
Once there, teddies bring their owners into the Abbey for half price, standard adult admission is £4. ACE Card holders, Friends of MNH and under 5’s go 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.”
The picnic will be open from 10am to 6pm.
If you ride down on the train today, you’re in for a big surprise,
If you ride down on the train today, you will not believe your eyes,
For every child under sixteen, who brings a teddy travels for free
Because today’s the day the Teddy Bears have their picnic.
Every Teddy Bear who's been good, will ride the train today,
there’s lots of marvellous things to eat, and wonderful games to play
Brendan the Bear will wave hello, lots of fun till time to go
Cause that's the way the Teddy Bears have their picnic.
More details and train times available at www.iombusandrail.info
