2,500 attend Thomas' 65th at Drayton Manor

A host of celebrities, fans and members of the Awdry family attended Drayton Manor's celebrations for Thomas' 65th Anniversary.

2,500 people attended the celebratory party up in Staffordshire, where many gathered at Thomas Land, for a day to remember.

Among the celebrities who attended included DJ's Zane Lowe and Nihal Arthanayake, Model Nell McAndrew, Hollyoaks' Nicole Barber Lane, The Rev. W. Awdry's daughters Hilary Fortnam and Veronica Chambers, the Voice of Thomas Ben Small and of course, The Fat Controller.

Some light entertainment was provided at the party by jugglers, magicians, story tellers, 4D cinema screenings and a fireworks display at the end.

Senior Vice President and Global Brand Management of the Thomas Division, Rick Glankler reported on the celebrations; 65 years since the Rev. Wilbert Awdry first told his young son Christopher a story about a cheeky little blue engine, Thomas continues to capture hearts and imaginations. Today’s event has provided an opportunity for us to celebrate the huge enjoyment Thomas has brought to generations of children from all around the world.

Managing Director of Drayton Manor Theme Park, Colin Bryan also commented; It’s an amazing honour for Drayton Manor Theme Park to be the home of Thomas Land and host this special 65th Anniversary Party. Thomas & Friends has a magical quality that entertains the young and young at heart, and has done so for over six decades.

Bryan also confirmed plans for a new ride; We opened Thomas Land in March 2008 and it quickly became one of our most popular attractions. We plan to develop Thomas Land further by adding a new ride, which is due to open Easter 2011.

VIEW CHRIS THOMSON'S INTERVIEW WITH BEN SMALL AT THE PARTY