The Donkey Sanctuary wins two Primary Times Awards

The Donkey Sanctuary has scooped two awards in the Primary Times’ 2018 Reader Star Awards. The attraction won the Favourite Family Attraction (Half Day) and Free Local Family Event categories, as voted by readers of the publication.

Parents of children aged 4 to 11 years took part in the Primary Times survey and voted for their favourite local family friendly places and people. The Donkey Sanctuary is a big hit with Primary Times’ readers with its wide range of events, free entry and free parking, tempting local families to return again and again.

John Crouch, visitor engagement manager at The Donkey Sanctuary says: “To get this recognition from the readers of Primary Times is fantastic - I know Devon is in an enviable position of having many quality family attractions so coming first is a real feat. We’re proud and immensely happy to accept this award - thank you to all who voted for us.”

The best Family Attraction for a half day out category was created to include attractions that people may visit, perhaps, for a few hours but on a frequent basis, or attractions that offer timed schedules. The second award, featuring a Free Local Family Event, was won by The Donkey Sanctuary for its Summer Fair, where admission for children is free.

The outcome of the survey is of special importance to many local businesses who value the nature of the award results, as the families who complete the survey are often customers or potential customers. In addition, the results provide an interesting snapshot of what is popular with families at this current time. It’s a way of local families recommending venues and attractions that deliver good quality service and provision to other readers.

The Donkey Sanctuary has a packed season of events lined up for the winter. The Christmas Fair kicks off events this weekend (24-25 November) and is the ideal time for some Christmas shopping. Walter’s Winter Checklist runs from 24 November right through the winter giving the perfect opportunity to explore the sanctuary in Sidmouth. Carols by Candlelight is an unmissable evening as thousands of candles light up the sanctuary. The event, held on 14 December, includes a carol service held in the main barn, surrounded by many of the resident donkeys.

All proceeds go towards The Donkey Sanctuary’s work in the community and worldwide. For more information and details on the events, please visit: www.thedonkeysanctuary.org.uk/events