Hornby Open Day 2019 in Margate

by My Kent Family reporter

The first ever Hornby Open Day is taking place in Margate this summer.
Toy and model enthusiasts can now snap up tickets to the weekend event in August.

The popular Thanet-based company, which is known for its historic toys and model railway exhibitions, will be opening its company doors to the public for the very first time on Saturday, August 17 and Sunday, August 18.

But unlike Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory, there will be more than just five golden tickets!

The open day marks a historic moment in the company’s proud 60-year history.

“This event is very much a first for Hornby and we’re really excited,” said Marketing and Development Director Simon Kohler.

“Visitors - both young and old - who are lucky enough to have tickets, will be able to not only see the recently refurbished Hornby Visitor Centre but also many other attractions as well.”

Scalextric will be on display
Scalextric will be on display

Not only will there be access to see Hornby’s model railway exhibitions, heritage and facilities - including the former factory building - but visitors can also check out the recently refurbished Hornby Visitors Centre.

There will also be a selection of British Transport Museum films, local modellers showing off their skills, various associated trade stands featuring everything from mugs, collectable souvenirs and diecast models.

“The Open Weekend is the first of what I hope are many events which will take place here,” added Hornby CEO Lyndon Davies.

The Visitor Centre has undergone a transformation with the re-opening of the cafe and an update to the displays showing the history of the company, with hundreds of products dating back to Hornby’s earliest days.

Hornby Visitor Centre in Thanet is holding its first open day
Hornby Visitor Centre in Thanet is holding its first open day

Featuring rare products from Scalextric, Airfix and Corgi archives, visitors can delve into the fascinating history of Hornby’s iconic model trains from Frank Hornby’s early home-made toys in sheet metal, through the development of Hornby ‘O’ gauge and Hornby-Dublo.

The Hornby Hobbies Visitor Centre is open every day between 10am and 4pm while the 'Just the Ticket' Cafe is now from 10am until 3.30pm every day.

Tickets to the open day are £10 for adults, £6 for children and £26 for a family. To buy yours please click here.

Don't miss out on tickets to the open day
Don't miss out on tickets to the open day

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