LEICESTER’S Abbey Pumping Station is counting down to Christmas with a steam-themed festive event that all the family will enjoy.
Visitors to the event on Sunday (1 December) will be able to see displays of traditional toys, including model railways and steam engines, as well as vintage vehicles from the museum’s collection.
The steam train on the narrow gauge railway will be offering rides, while everyone attending the event will be able to enjoy the sight and sound of one of the pumping station’s magnificent beam engines in steam.
There will also be Christmas carols, accompanied by the musicians of the Oadby & Wigston Scouts and Guides’ Band, and light refreshments will be available from the pumping station’s café.
Abbey Pumping Station’s Christmas Steam Day runs from 11.30am to 4pm on Sunday 1 December.
Tickets for the event can be bought online in advance at a discounted price, with a family ticket (two adults, two children aged 5-15) priced at £15. There is no charge for children under five.
The same ticket will cost £18 (cash only please) to those wishing to pay at the gate.
A small charge of 50p will be made for rides on the narrow gauge railway.
More information and all the ticket prices are available at leicestermuseums.org/Christmas-Steam-Day-2024 or you can contact the pumping station during opening hours on 0116 299 5111.
Parking for Abbey Pumping Station is available at the neighbouring National Space Centre (Exploration Drive, LE4 5NS). The footpath to Abbey Pumping Station is clearly signposted from the space centre’s car park.
Picture caption: Even the engine’s feeling festive at Abbey Pumping Station: Photo credit: Jerry Toach