A family day full of fire engines, flashing lights and face painting

Although it may seem like an odd theme for a family day out, Abbey Pumping Station promises their emergency services-themed event will prove to be an “exciting, action-packed” day.

A variety of vehicles will be on display for all gears to enjoy, including Leicester Museum’s vintage collection of historic fire engines. A working steam-powered Gimson beam engine will be on display and little ones can enjoy a ride on a locomotive for 50p.

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

Food and drinks will be available for purchase, including from a van of vintage coal ovens.

Tickets for the day are priced at £6 for adults, £5 for concessions and £2 for children aged five to 15 when booked online, with children under five admitted free. 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 who require assistance to attend the event can request a free companion ticket by emailing [email protected] or calling 0116 299 5111.

The event is scheduled for Sunday, May 12, from 12:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Tickets can be booked at leicestermuseums.org/EmergencyServicesDay2024.

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