Family day out filled with fire engines, flashing lights and face painting

Though it may seem an odd theme for a family day out, Abbey Pumping Station is promising their emergency services-themed event will prove to be an "exciting, action-filled" day.

A variety of vehicles will be showcased for all gearheads to enjoy, including Leicester Museum's vintage collection of historic fire engines. A steam-powered Gimson beam engine in operation will be on view and the little ones will be able to enjoy a ride on a locomotive for 50p.

Face-painting will be on offer as well as a dress-up zone and, for those kiddos who like to dig in the dirt, the gardening team will be giving vegetable planting lessons. They will learn how the Victorians at Abbey Pumping Station once cultivated steam-powered tomatoes.

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Food and beverages will be available for purchase, including from a vintage coal-fired chip van.

Tickets for the day are priced at £6 for adults, £5 for concessions, and £2 for children aged five to 15 if booked online, with under-fives admitted free of charge. A family ticket (two adults and two children) costs £15.

Tickets can also be purchased at the door; cash only at £7 for adults, £6 for concessions, £3 for children, and £18 for a family. Visitors requiring assistance to attend the event can apply for a complimentary companion ticket by emailing aps@leicester.gov.uk or calling 0116 299 5111.

The event is scheduled from 12pm-4.30pm on Sunday, May 12. Tickets can be booked at leicestermuseums.org/EmergencyServicesDay2024.

For more information about Leicester's museums and art galleries, visit www.leicestermuseums.org.