Mascots in Unison at Sandy Park

Buddy Bear from Devon’s Crealy Great Adventure Park joined other Mascots at Sandy Park for some half time fun and frivolity during the Exeter Chiefs v London Welsh rugby match.

This ‘mascots in unison’ event was to mark the Rugby World Cup games coming to Devon and to celebrate Devon’s Top Attractions 30th Anniversary year. The Exeter Chiefs kindly agreed for Buddy Bear and the other mascots join in the half time fun which provided a highly entertaining and competitive interval for the fans.

Simon Fishwick, Chairman of Devon’s Top Attractions, said “this event symbolises the way forward for Devon tourism and demonstrates local tourism businesses putting on a united front and working together across the South West. We had tourist attractions, accommodation providers, local public transport and charities all joining together to promote the Rugby World Cup and all that Devon has to offer.”

The top 40 attractions put their mascots through vigorous training in readiness for the bizarre event. On the day, Buddy Bear joined 19 other mascots run a lap of honour alongside 200 youth rugby players, followed by some riotous close encounters and fearless tackling against Derek the Otter Beer mascot.

There were lovable mascots as well as mischievous characters who all did their best to take the otter down. A sweeping 74-19 victory for the Chiefs further elated the home crowd. Chris Bentley of Exeter Chiefs said “Our half time mascot chase is always hugely popular and it was great to welcome the Devon’s Top Attractions as part of their 30 year celebration to have a special moment with over 8,000 rugby fans!”

If you weren’t lucky enough to have been able to attend, there will be more ‘mascot madness’ later this year as part of the celebrations for Devon’s Top Attractions Anniversary year. For more information and to find out where these other events will be taking place, see their website: www.lotstodo.co.uk.