On Saturday, 17th May, the Black Country Innovative Manufacturing Organisation (BCIMO) will be holding a Family Day where visitors can step aboard for a day of discovery and fun.

Among the attractions at the Family Day will be the chance to ride on the Coventry Very Light Rail (CVLR) vehicle to experience the future of transport, step back in time on the last T69 tram ever driven on the Midland Metro network, or sit in a photo-realistic simulator to experience driving a tram along BCIMO’s test track or the streets of Coventry.

The event will be officially opened by famous musician, railway icon, and President of the Railway Benefit Fund, Pete Waterman OBE.

There will be more than enough to keep visitors entertained, with talks and presentations, model railways, creative activities, fairground rides, family-friendly shows and special appearances, and food and drink stalls.

Adult tickets cost £10 and£ 5 for children aged 5 to 15. There is no charge for children under 5.

Profits from the event will go to charities including The Kaleidoscope Plus Group, Railway Benefit Fund, 4Louis, Railway Children, and Young Lives vs. Cancer.

The event will take place over two levels of the Very Light Rail National Innovation Centre. The main entrance is on level 2, which has a Presentation Platform where Pete Waterman OBE will perform the official opening, and there will be talks on railway history and Children’s Hour with mascots, balloon modelling, and photo opportunities.

At Modeller’s Halt, there will be stunning displays and interactive experiences with a variety of layouts, and you will learn the craftsmanship behind model railways. Creative Corner will allow visitors to take part in arts and crafts activities, including designing colourful creations and hands-on projects.

Level 0 is Ride Central (North) with fairground rides, trampolines, and the chance to climb aboard a fire engine. At Tram 16, visitors can step aboard a Metro network T69 tram and see progress on its refurbishment as a test vehicle for innovative rail technologies.

Ride Central (South) is the joining point for a chance to ride on the Coventry Very Light Rail (CVLR) vehicle along the full test route, including through a tunnel and around a purpose-built 15-metre-radius loop.