Christmas sleigh event still going ahead in Coventry

[dutchman]

It will be a Covid secure ride



A Christmas event will be going ahead in Coventry this year, despite the coronavirus restrictions.

The virtual reality (VR) sleigh ride at West Orchards shopping centre will be part of festivities this year - allowing people to ride in their bubbles.

You will be transported through a magical journey, using VR headsets and technology.

Given the Covid-19 rules, you won't need to buy individual tickets, but you can book the entire sleigh for you and your family, as long as they're in your bubble.

Housed on level three of the shopping centre, it is a fully immersive 4D experience, using a range of emotions, fans and sounds.

The ride opens on November 5 and will be running throughout the Christmas period.

Up to eight people can ride at once, up to four adults and four children, or up to six adults.

The ride itself has been treated with anti-viral coating and the headsets will be cleaned between uses.

If, in exceptional circumstances, the ride has to close due to coronavirus, you will receive a full refund.

[dutchman]

Iconic sleigh ride at Coventry Transport Museum will cost families £160 this year



A Coventry dad fears many families will miss out on a family Christmas tradition this year - because of the price tag.

The vintage sleigh ride at Coventry Transport Museum has been delighting children and their families in the city centre museum for years.

Last year, a ride on the sleigh cost £8 per child including a gift from Father Christmas and entry for two accompanying adults, with additional adults costing for £1.50.

But this year the only way to ride the vintage sleigh with Father Christmas is to book a high-end afternoon tea package that comes with a £160 price tag per table of six - more than £26 each.

A spokesman for Coventry Transport Museum said ithe charity was unable to run the usual sleigh and visit to Santa experience and "make it viable with current government restrictions".

They added "Santa would also not be able to be in his grotto to ensure he is kept safe - as he is in a higher risk age group."

The afternoon tea will include festive drinks, sandwiches and cakes, and you'll get the usual ride with Father Christmas and a gift for the children visiting.

Jay Urquhart-Pettifer, from Stoke Heath, said: "Tihere is only one way to get on the sleigh ride at the museum and that is to spend £160 for up to six people to have afternoon tea with Santa and visit the sleigh ride.

"Now I think that's a really high price especially as times are really hard for some families right now.

"We as a family go to the sleigh ride each year...and as this Christmas is going to be so different I am very sad that we are unable to go this year. We are one of those families that just can't afford the £160 afternoon tea.

"Making family memories has already been halted this year so much we were so looking forward to our family Sleigh ride."

[rebbonk]

They'd have been better off doing nothing this year. This makes them look not only bad, but money grabbers to boot.

[dutchman]

NOT SAFE FOR WORK (or school)

[Melisandre]

[rebbonk]

[dutchman]

Iconic sleigh ride at Coventry Transport Museum cancelled

The vintage sleigh ride at Coventry Transport Museum has been delighting children and their families in the city centre museum for years.

But a spokesman for the museum confirmed today (November 4) it will no longer be able to go ahead.

A spokesman for Coventry Transport Museum said: "Following the government’s announcement of the lockdown and much discussion internally, we have decided to cancel the Sleigh and Afternoon Tea experience at Coventry Transport Museum.

"This isn’t a decision which has been made lightly, but we believe that Christmas is the most magical time of the year and with uncertainties around the close proximity of the lockdown to our first events, potential issues regarding staffing and suppliers and uncertainty about the restrictions on museums reopening after the lockdown we felt it was the right decision to make."

[rebbonk]

Nothing to do with the price and a low take-up then?

[Melisandre]

I can see why at that price it use to be a few pounds in the 80s . High tea ? in Coventry I think they are getting mixed up with Leamington where most would pay that price .

[rebbonk]

Delusions of grandeur, Melisandre. The motor museum is a wonderful place but since they've been charging they seem to think they're somewhat better than they are.