*** UPDATE – 18th November 2019 ***
The November 2019 flooding has meant we’ve needed to cancel numerous events. Please refer to our recent event schedule which highlights what has and hasn’t been cancelled.
***
Bransby Horses, has a number of great events and activities planned for the festive season. The schedule, which includes a new enchanting Christmas Lights Switch On, is sure to get families into the spirit.
The charity’s first ever Christmas Lights Switch On will take place on Friday 29th November. The focal point, a stunning Christmas tree, will be in the Visitor Centre Courtyard of the site. The Christmas Lights Switch On will start at 4pm on – 29th November with the Westgate Academy School singing Christmas carols and the big lights switch on moment will take place at 5pm with special guests Cinderella and Buttons from Lincoln Drill Hall doing the honour. As well as the lights and carols, there will also be plenty of mulled wine, hot chocolate, mince pies, donkeys and the chance to start your Christmas shopping in the Gift Shop until 7pm.
Charlie McClelland, Fundraising Manager at Bransby Horses said about this new event:
“It will be the best Christmas event ever with the sights, sounds and aromas of the festive season. Our tree will stand proudly and twinkle as all Christmas trees should and carol singers and hot spiced drinks will fill the air with everything you think of at this special time of year. To add to that, our charming donkeys will be close by, peeking over their stable doors to be part of the fun. We can’t imagine a better way to start this season of merriness!”
The charity is also holding their annual Christmas Fair on Saturday 7th December 11am – 4pm, with plenty for families to see and do. There will be a wide variety of craft and gift stalls which offer a perfect opportunity to get some very special gifts for loved ones. Father Christmas will arrive with his donkey friends, Harrowby Singers Amateur Dramatic Society will be singing festive songs and hits from well-known musicals and there will also be festive activities throughout the day. The Feedroom Café will also be serving some warm and spiced treats, so you can taste and smell Christmassy things as you wander around the site, seeing hundreds of horses, ponies, donkeys and mules the charity has rescued and rehabilitated over the years.
Seasonal activities are sure to book up quickly so the charity is operating a first come, first served basis on any activities that require advanced booking. As well as the special activities and events the charity are putting on between now and the end of the year, there is also more than 400 horses, ponies, donkeys and mules to meet every day at the site, picturesque walkways, The Feedroom Café and play areas for children. The charity site is open to visitors 362 days each year, from 9am – 4pm.
Vicky Varney, Events Coordinator at Bransby Horses said:
“Families from near and far visit us throughout the year but we think there is something super special about Halloween and Christmas. When the nights are drawing in and we’re all getting wrapped up with coats and scarves, we’re all looking for ways to embrace this magical season, get outdoors and celebrate the year!”
Activities start from free of charge to £12 per person, please check the Bransby Horses website www.bransbyhorses.co.uk and Facebook page ‘Bransby Horses – Rescue and Welfare’ for details. Entry to the site is free but as a charity, relying entirely on public support, donations of any amount are very welcome and go towards the cost of care of the 430 horses, ponies, donkeys and mules living on site.
The charity are also looking for sponsors to help support specific elements of their seasonal events, for more information, contact the Events team by emailing events@bransbyhorses.co.uk
