Wightlink has teamed up with the TV favourite Toot the Tiny Tugboat to provide a range of activities to entertain young passengers during cross-Solent journeys.
The promotion with Toot the Tiny Tugboat producers Lupus Films will see 10,000 activity booklets available for free at selected Wightlink passenger terminals and ferries over the summer.
The 8 page booklet will entertain children with a fleet of Toot the Tiny Tugboat-themed activities including colouring sheets, games and puzzles.
In addition, Lupus Films has created seaside themed cut-outs from Toot the Tiny Tugboat which will be placed in key areas including Portsmouth Harbour Railway Station, Ryde Pier Head Tourist Information Point and on St Clare, St Faith and St Cecilia ferries. The cut-outs will allow families to have their photos taken with Toot and upload their photos on social media for the chance to win Toot and milkshake! branded goodies. The promotion was launched this week by popular milkshake! presenter Amy Thompson.
It is thought the summer promotion will be the first time a UK ferry company has teamed up with a pre-school programme in this way.
Wightlink will promote the partnership to its database of households and through an automated email sent to passengers with important travel information. The company will also promote the booklet through its Facebook page and on its website.
Ruth Fielding, co-founder Lupus Films says:
“We are very excited to be setting sail with Wightlink Ferries for this nautical summer adventure.
Article continues below this advertisement “An estimated 52,000 children are expected to travel to and from the Isle of Wight on Wightlink’s ferries this summer, providing a perfect opportunity to meet Toot and his friends from The Harbour”.
Mark Persad, Wightlink’s Head of Marketing, says:
“We are delighted to be part of this innovative partnership with Lupus and Toot. We believe this is the first time a UK ferry company has teamed up with a children’s television programme in this way to provide onboard entertainment for its younger passengers.
“Coupled with the popular Teen Scene and children’s play area already on board the St Clare, we are working hard to make sure crossing the Solent with Wightlink is a really family-friendly occasion.”
“I’ve loved bringing Toot’s adventures to life for so many of his little fans today,” says milkshake! presenter Amy Thompson. “Together with the other milkshake! presenters, I can’t wait to see all the pictures uploaded of families enjoying themselves with Toot and his friends over the summer.”
