Gulliver’s Valley hosts special festive event for South Yorkshire families

500 parents, carers and young people from across South Yorkshire have been treated to a magical, festive experience at Gulliver’s Valley Theme Park Resort.

The Rotherham theme park invited South Yorkshire’s Community Foundation (SYCF) and the charities and organisations they work with to the fun-filled day of Christmas celebration.

Invited families were able to enjoy all the resort has to offer at this time of year including access to the outdoor rides and attractions, watching the very special Gulliver’s Christmas Show along with a meal.

Gulliver’s Valley asked SYCF to help distribute the 500 tickets across the extensive network of community groups they fund.

With a focus on supporting and building strong, resilient communities across the region, SYCF is South Yorkshire’s biggest funder. They invest in change-making groups by distributing grants, delivering training and sharing advice – acting as a catalyst for positive change.

Michelle Dickinson, head of philanthropy and programmes at South Yorkshire’s Community Foundation, said: “We’re incredibly grateful to Gulliver’s Valley Theme Park for this very generous gesture. It was a wonderful way to help some of the less fortunate families we work with across the region, including households affected by the recent floods.

“The parents, carers and young people who visited the theme park had a fantastic time and we’d like to thank the Gulliver’s team for making it such a magical and memorable, festive experience.”

Alison Ainley attended with her daughter, Jade, aged 11, who has a rare genetic condition called CDKL5.

Alison said: “It was an amazing day and even the rain didn’t ruin the experience. I am so thankful to South Yorkshire’s Community Foundation and Gulliver’s for the opportunity.

“I’ve never seen Jade so happy. I’ve never been able to take her to a theme park before in case it wasn’t suitable, but the rides she went on were amazing. She wouldn’t sit still for excitement, her smile just said it all!”

Sam Sargison and daughter Erica, aged 8, who has autism also visited. Sam said: “We had an absolutely fantastic time. The staff were wonderful with our queries and supporting us with Erica’s autism. The food was delicious and the show was a bonus! This was the best grotto and Christmas experience we have ever been to!”

Julie Dalton, managing director of Gulliver’s Theme Park Resorts, said: “It was such a pleasure to welcome so many families to Gulliver’s Valley for this magical, festive event and we were so pleased to help spread some Christmas cheer to those who need an extra treat this year.

“SYCF supports organisations doing vital work with families in the region and we were so happy to be able to provide some festive fun before Christmas.”