From Ginger Day, to dress up days, to Autism Friendly sessions, there is something for everyone at the IRN BRU Carnival!
The IRN-BRU Carnival returns for another year of rides, thrills and memory making at the SEC this December and January.
Article Source: The IRN-BRU Carnival
Last Updated: 13 November 2023 12:22
With over 65 rides and attractions to see from 22 December, there is no shortage of fun to be had for children, families and adults at the annual event.
Having been a Glasgow institution for over 100-years, we’ve rounded up some of the top things for you to keep an eye out for at this year’s edition.
Christmas Jumper Day – 24 December
Those wearing their Christmas jumpers on Christmas Eve will be gifted an extra voucher to be used throughout the Carnival. Get ‘em on and treat yourself to an extra spin on the Waltzers or one of the other fantastic rides available – ‘tis the season for giving after all!
Meet your heroes - Wednesday 27th December & 7th January
On Wednesday 27 December and on 7 January 2024, children are invited to dress up as their favourite superhero, princess or villain for ‘theme day’.
Special guests from some family favourite films are also expected to swing by, and in the past have been known to put on performances for event goers – keep an eye on IRN-BRU Carnival’s social media for more information coming soon!
Ginger Day – 12th January
We all love a ginger and to show our appreciate to our fiery headed pals, we are celebrating them on 12th January by offering a free voucher to one the 65+ stalls and rides, simply by turning up and being ginger.
We love ginger of all shades and sizes, so be it dyed, a wig, or au naturale, come along and celebrate the mighty gingers!
Autism Friendly Sessions – 31st December (11-2pm) & 9th January (4 – 9pm)
It’s important that everyone gets a chance to enjoy Glasgow’s greatest festive tradition, so the IRN-BRU Autism Friendly Sessions are back to allow those with autism or sensory processing difficulties a chance to enjoy the rides in an environment with reduced sound and light, and with smaller crowds and queues.
During the Autism Friendly sessions, the main hall lights will be on, music will be turned off or very low, and the rides will be slower where possible (although the ride lights will still be on).
Sensory packs are available. Quiet areas will be open throughout the full Carnival run for anyone who needs them.
Seek thrills on new rides
The Carnival is bursting with stalls this year, with rides for everyone from toddlers to teenagers, and big kids of course.
Screams are expected to be heard far and wide as those a little older take to Glasgow’s skies on The Extreme Ice Blast outside of the iconic SEC venue, as well as getting twisted upside down and all around on the brand-new indoor ride, Super Trooper. Those looking for a jump scare will be welcome to explore the Hotel of Terror, an immersive and creepy walk-through experience, sure to be a hit at this year’s event.
For the younger children, check out Mini Miami, a mini version of the popular “Miami Wave” rides. Youngsters can get the chance to experience the thrills of the heart dropping sky to floor feeling with the rest of the family.
Musical performances
IRN-BRU Carnival are also supporting local buskers and musical talent throughout, with a number of amazing performances, from the opening day where guests can expect a traditional Scottish bag piper, to DJ’s and some of Scotland’s rising starts from Sauchiehall Street superstar, Maria McAveety, to the sultry sounds of local boy, Matthew Gibb.
Win exclusive prizes
The Treasure Hunt is back almost every single day of the run this year. Kids under 12 will once again be invited to take part in the Treasure Hunt, gathering letters around the Carnival to attempt to unjumble the word and win a certificate.
Those over the age of 12 and a height of 1.4m can enter the Carnival Ride Challenge. For each ride in the challenge, the guest will get a stamp. Once they have collected ten stamps, they can send in a photo of the completed ride challenge to be entered into a prize draw to win a Phenomenal Ticket for next year, giving visitors four free entries every day that the Carnival is on from December 2024 – worth over £1,600!
Make new memories
The Carnival has been a firm-favourite in the city for over 100 years and this year is set to be no different. Families are invited to make new memories and enjoy the spoils of the festive tradition together at the SEC.
With delicious food, lively music, and plenty of fun activities to explore, there is no better time to head down to the IRN-BRU Carnival with all the family and enjoy the festive period.
The IRN-BRU Carnival kicks off on Friday 22 December 2023 (closed Christmas Day) and will be open until Sunday 14 January 2024. Standard entry tickets are available from £18.50 with discounts available for groups, concessions and Young Scot card holders, and kids under three go free.
Tickets are available online now at www.irn-bru-carnival.com
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