The Great Christmas Carnival coming to Newbury Racecourse

By Jessica Durston - 24 November 2022

AttractionsFamily

Underbelly and Newbury Racecourse have come together to bring the Great Christmas Carnival to members of the public from this weekend.

Photo credit for gallery - Ian Georgeson

This brand-new Carnival event will be held at Newbury Racecourse from 27 November - 2 January.

The event will be the home of the Flying Father Christmas attraction, and the Carnival is brought to Berkshire by the producers of the acclaimed Edinburgh’s Christmas, Christmas in Leicester Square, and Christmas in Trafalgar Square. 

Tickets are on sale at greatchristmascarnivalnewbury.com.
 
A spokesperson for the event said: "The incredible Flying Father Christmas attraction will be taking place on the hour, every hour that the site is open. Guest can look up to the sky and watch as Father Christmas literally flies over the Carnival site in his sleigh, accompanied by a wonderful festive soundtrack.

"The magical and jaw-dropping event can only be seen at The Great Christmas Carnival and will make for a very special and ‘one of a kind’ Christmas moment for families. This attraction is FREE with every admission ticket."
 
Once inside the Carnival site, attendees will have a variety of different things to do.

Ticket holders will be able to watch a performance from the Great Christmas Circus. From the creators of Circus Extreme and Circus Berlin, the Big Top will host multiple performances each day of this family-friendly circus show, featuring world-class performers.

Performances will be 45 minutes long.
 
As well as the circus, visitors to the Carnival can get lost in the twists and turns of the Christmas Tree Maze, and younger guests can stop by Father Christmas’ Grotto, where they can meet the man himself and be read a special Christmas story.
 
Additionally, guests will have the option to pull on their skates and glide across the Ice Rink.

The spokesperson added: "Surrounded by glistening lights, the rink is suitable for the whole family, with skates available to hire and aids to help younger skaters and those taking their first steps on the ice."
 
Also on offer for members of the public are theme park rides such as The Greatest Hits Radio Big Wheel, Waltzers, Dodgems and the Fun House - and for thrill-seekers, the Carnival will feature the Freak Out and the Giant Spinning Coaster.
 
Another part of The Great Christmas Carnival that attendees can explore is the expansive Christmas Market, featuring the Nordic Tipi bar with fire pit, and the Après Alpine bar - an Alpine-style beer hall. The Carnival event team say everything from European produce and traditional festive refreshments will be on offer, including mulled wine, mince pies and raclette, as well as festive street food. 
 
Carnival goers will need to purchase an entry ticket for access, which includes a complimentary hot chocolate, free parking, and the Flying Father Christmas attraction.
 
Entry tickets and tickets to the attractions and shows are available to purchase in advance online or on the day via the Box Office and at the rides.

The Chrismas Carnival event recommend booking in advance as much as possible. For a limited time, visitors who spend £25 or more on rides and attractions by purchasing in advance online will receive 20% off the price of their purchase.

There are also some discounted packages available for those who wish to plan their whole day in advance. These can be found at greatchristmascarnivalnewbury.com.
 
Free parking is available at Newbury Racecourse and is included in the Carnival entry ticket, and the site is accessible via the M4 Junction 13, National Rail, and from Newbury Town Centre, with a free shuttle bus service available for ticket holders.

Further information about dates and prices can be found below:

Opening times before 19 December:

Sunday 10am - 9pm
Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 12pm - 9pm 
Wednesday: 12pm - 9pm*
Thursday: 12pm - 9pm
Friday: 10am - 10pm
Saturday: 10am - 10pm
Wednesday 14th: 4pm - 9pm
 
19 December - 23 December
Everyday - 10am - 9pm
 
Christmas Eve: 10am - 6pm
Christmas Day: Closed
Boxing Day: 12pm - 10pm
 
27 December - 2 January
Tuesday 27 - Thursday 29: 10am - 9pm
Friday 30: 10am - 10pm
Saturday 31: 4pm - 10pm
Sunday 1: 12pm - 9pm
Monday 2: 10am - 9pm

Ticket information:

Peak time: £7.50

Non-peak time: £5

Under 3s: Free entry

(Peak and non-peak time information can be found by visiting the website linked above)

Social media links:

Website - www.greatchristmascarnivalnewbury.com
Facebook - Great Christmas Carnival Newbury
Instagram - @greatchristmascarnival
Twitter - @newbury_xmas

Your Comments

Be the first to comment on this article

Login or Register to post a comment on this article

Subscribe to The Link

Registered in England & Wales. No: 4513027, Positive Media Group, Old Bank House, 5 Devizes Road, Old Town, Swindon, SN1 4BJ