SPONSORED EDITORIAL

Looking for something fun and interesting to do in August with family and friends?

Then the first ever Open Day at Hornby in Margate is not to be missed!

The fantastic weekend event will serve up a treat not just for toy and model enthusiasts but also families looking for something totally different to do on the weekend.

The popular Margate-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!

Tickets are currently on sale at Hornby’s official website but those interested must move quickly!

CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS FOR THE HORNBY OPEN WEEKEND

The first ever open day at Hornby marks a historic moment in the company’s proud 60-year history and plans are already underway to ensure it’s a memorable day for those lucky enough to get their hands on some tickets.

“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.”

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.

And there’s more!

Visitors can gaze upon The One:One Collection’s hugely popular locomotives and carriages that will be on display for the first time.

Fancy watching some live music?

Don’t miss out on the chance to catch some performances by the 2433 Ramsgate and Manston Air Cadets.

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

“We continue to develop our Margate site as a centre of excellence for the design of products carrying some of the world’s most iconic brands.”

It’s been a busy time at Hornby.

Earlier this year, the company returned to its ancestral home in Margate - reversing a decision from five years ago to move part of the operations to another town.

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.

CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS FOR THE HORNBY OPEN WEEKEND

“Hornby has come home to where it belongs and you can certainly feel the energy in the company that this has given to us all.”

“Hornby belongs in Margate; it is part of its history and its future and coming back here is a huge move for the company.”

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.

For more information about Hornby, visit the official website by clicking here.