BRISTOL CHARACTERS BRAVE THE SNOW FOR FESTIVE FUN AT THE FAIR
Tuesday, 21st December 2010
Even the snowy weather couldn’t keep Bristol’s best loved characters away from Carters Steam Fair today, as Wallace and Gromit, a pirate, penguin, clownfish, and Father Christmas celebrated the start of the Christmas school holidays by riding the gallopers in Bristol’s city centre.
Wallace and Gromit, Pirate Pete, Bristol Zoo Gardens’ Poppy the Penguin, Blue Reef Aquarium’s Charlie the Clownfish, along with Father Christmas and his helpers all met in Anchor Square today for a photo opportunity on the gallopers.
The purpose of the gathering was to highlight the many exciting activities available for families and visitors to enjoy in Bristol during the Christmas break. Each character represents a range of activities on offer during the festive season.
Carters Steam Fair
Carters Steam Fair is conveniently located within easy walking distance of Bristol’s city centre shopping area and will operate the family fun fair through 4th January, 2011. The historic steam fair will be open from mid-day each day until half six Monday through Thursday and later on the weekends. The rides on offer include dodgems, gallopers, helter skelter, The Dive Bomber, in addition to three children’s rides from trains, cars and dobbies. Visitors can also enjoy candy floss and fair games. Prices range from £1 to £2 per ride.
Dates and Opening Times:
Through 4 January 2011 in Bristol
Open from mid-day until half six each day and later on weekends
Carters Steam Fair
Anchor Square, Harbourside, Bristol, BS1 5DB
Tel: 0906 711 2191 (tourism information centre- calls charged at 50p per minute plus network extras)
www.carterssteamfair.co.uk
Father Christmas from The Mall Bristol
Despite a busy schedule this week, Father Christmas made his way from the festive Santa’s Grotto at The Mall Bristol to ride the gallopers at Carters Steam Fair. Santa is now in residence in his spectacular Grotto right up until Christmas Eve. For £4, children can meet Santa and receive a gift. There is also the opportunity to have a photograph taken with Santa. After Christmas, visitors can take advantage of January sales at The Mall Bristol – with easy shoppers parking and over 100 stores all under one roof. Shoppers are encouraged to pick up some great bargains whilst staying warm and dry.
Santa’s Grotto Opening Times:
20 Dec – 23 Dec, 10am until 6pm
Christmas Eve 10am until 4.30pm
The Mall Bristol
29 Union Gallery, Bristol, BS1 3XD
Tel: 0117 929 0569
www.themall.co.uk
Wallace and Gromit
Wallace and Gromit represent their favourite science centre, At-Bristol where Animate It! takes on a seasonal sparkle for Christmas. Have a go at making your very own animation film with a selection of seasonal characters and backgrounds on the animation stations. Or send your animation to a friend as a unique season's greeting. Until 3 January (excluding 24-26 December), visitors can also take part in Christmas craft activities in the interactive zone on the first floor. Make beautiful glittery snowflakes or a 3D Christmas tree to decorate your home. These could even make creative gifts for your family and friends.
At-Bristol Opening Hours
At-Bristol is open daily, except 24, 25 and 26 December.
10am-6pm on weekends, bank holidays and daily during Bristol school holidays
10am-5pm on weekdays (Bristol schools term-time only)
At-Bristol
Anchor Road, Harbourside, Bristol, BS1 5DB
Tel: 0117 909 2000
www.at-bristol.org.uk
Bristol Zoo Gardens
There is plenty going-on at Bristol Zoo Gardens this Christmas holiday, and Tuesday December 21st is Bristol Zoo’ Fantabulous Christmas event which offers tradition with a twist. Visitors can feed Santa's reindeer, join in with carol singing, experience the enchanted Elf Hollow, enjoy storytelling, festive refreshments and Santa's grotto. Bristol Zoo Gardens offers the perfect day put for families looking for Christmas break activities. Please note that the zoo is closed on Christmas Day and will close at 4pm on Christmas Eve.
Other Activities:
Santa’s grotto; weekends: Open every day from 19 – 23 Dec £3.80
Santa Express; 27 Nov – 29 Dec £1 (subject to availability and weather)
Reindeer; 17 Dec – 29 Dec, small charge for reindeer food
Elf Hollow; 27 Nov – 29 Dec
Bristol Zoo Gardens
Clifton, Bristol, BS8 3HA
Tel: 0117 974 7307
www.bristolzoo.org.uk
Blue Reef Aquarium’s Charlie the Clownfish
Charlie the Clownfish resides at Blue Reef Aquarium where visitors are transported to the spectacular 'underwater gardens' of the Mediterranean and stunning beauty of tropical waters - home to everything from seahorses and puffer fish to living corals and tropical sharks. There's also a programme of free daily events including entertaining talks and feeding displays as well as the awesome IMAX Cinema that will take visitors on an immersive 3D journey.
Blue Reef Aquarium Opening Hours
Blue Reef Aquarium is open daily, except Christmas Day.
Open from 10am. Please call for closing times.
Blue Reef Aquarium
Anchor Road, Harbourside, Bristol, BS1 5TT
Tel: 0117 929 8929
www.bluereefaquarium.co.uk
Pirate Pete and Bristol Pirate Walks
Pete ‘The Pirate’ Martin provides entertaining and informative walks around Bristol’s historic piracy hotspots. From John Cabots statue to Blackbeards home, the Smugglers Cave to the Matthew Shipyard, Pete the Pirate provides a fun look at Pirates and their adventures in Bristol. Get out and enjoy the show with an educational pirate walk during the Christmas break.
Bristol Pirate Walks Opening Hours
Bristol Pirate Walks take place at 2pm on Saturdays and Sundays throughout the year and require pre-booking to check for availability.
Bristol Pirate Walks
Contact Pirate Pete for more details on 07950 566 483
For a full list of Bristol Christmas activities and more information about Carters Steam Fair, log on to www.VisitBristol.co.uk/Winter. Visitors can also contact Bristol’s tourist information centre on 0906 711 2191 (calls charged at 50p per minute plus network extras) or email ticharbourside@destinationbristol.co.uk.
