About

The National Coal Mining Museum’s ponies Eric and Ernie are celebrating their 21st birthday! 


Come and help them celebrate with a day of family fun! They’ll be celebrating their landmark birthday in style, come and enjoy horse-themed party games, special horse keeper talks, birthday cakes, artwork unveiling, crafts, plus much more.


Programme Schedule:


Horse Themed Crafts


10am-3pm

Free, drop-in at Pony Discovery Centre


Get creative and make some horse creations inspired by the birthday boys, Eric and Ernie.




Face Painting


10am-3pm

Charge applies, drop-in at Pony Discovery Centre


Get your face painted with ponies, unicorns, and lots more.




Food and Drink


10am-3pm

Charge applies, Pony Discovery Centre


Don’t forget to indulge in some party food. Enjoy celebration hot dogs and birthday cakes!




Farrier Demonstrations


10:30am-12:30pm

Free, drop-in at Pony Discovery Centre


See the ponies and horse get their hooves into tip top condition.




Horsekeeper Talk


10:30am-11am

Free, just turn up at Pony Discovery Centre


Learn more about the ponies and how they’re cared for in this free talk.




Pass the Parcel


11am-11:30am & 2pm-2:30pm at Pony Discovery Centre

£1.50 refundable deposit per child, pre-book to secure your place 


Enjoy a game of pass the parcel – what horsey treats will be inside?




Eric and Ernie Birthday Cakes + Artwork Unveiling


12pm-12:30pm

Free, just turn up at Pony Discovery Centre


See Eric and Ernie celebrate in style – and wish them a happy 21st with a birthday cake, and witness the unveiling of their very own portrait.




Tingley Brass Band Performances


1pm-3pm

Free, drop-in at Pony Discovery Centre


Enjoy the sweet sound of brass band music, with frequent performances from Tingley Brass Band.




Harness Demonstration


2pm-2:30pm

Free, just turn up at Pony Discovery Centre


Learn from the horsekeepers how they can harness the ponies.


Visit the National Coal Mining Museum for Eric and Ernie’s Birthday for a fantastic family day out, enjoy delicious food and drink, take a walk around the nature trail, hop on the Paddy Train (weather dependent, £2.50 per person), explore lots, lots more!


Venue opening hours

Monday : Closed

Tuesday : Closed

Wednesday : 9:45 am - 5:00 pm

Thursday : 9:45 am - 5:00 pm

Friday : 9:45 am - 5:00 pm

Saturday : 9:45 am - 5:00 pm

Sunday : 9:45 am - 5:00 pm

Access facilities

  • Accessible Car Parking
  • Accessible Toilet
  • Assistance Dogs Welcome
  • Guide Dogs Welcome
  • Parent And Baby
  • Step Free Access
  • Wheelchair Accessible

Venue Details

Find us at

New Road, Wakefield, WF4 4RH

Phone

01924848806

Email

info@ncm.org.uk