Puffin brings flurry of The Snowman activity to London's Waterloo station and Brighton

The world of Raymond Briggs’ The Snowman is set to arrive at London’s Waterloo railway station and across Brighton this weekend. 

On Saturday 16th November at Waterloo station, the Lewes, Glynde and Beddingham Brass Band (LGB Brass) will perform songs from the soundtrack to The Snowman’s television adaptation, which was first broadcast on Channel 4 in 1982. The film has been shown on television at Christmas every year since. The original Puffin picture book was first published in 1978 and has gone on to sell more than 5.5 million copies.

Musicians and station staff will wear The Snowman scarf, as worn by David Bowie in the television adaptation of the book, while the Snowman himself will offer a welcome (or farewell) to families travelling through Waterloo. Meanwhile, Snowman activity will also take place across Brighton, where Briggs lived, in the run up to Christmas. 

Francesca Dow, managing director at Penguin Random House Children’s (PRH Children’s), said: “I am delighted that our event at London Waterloo train station will immerse thousands of visitors in the magic and wonder of The Snowman while activity across Brighton and its surrounds pays homage to the landscapes of East Sussex that Raymond loved, and which provided a backdrop to his original picture book.” 

Clare Blanchfield, senior brand marketing manager, PRH Children’s, said: “For so many families, Raymond Briggs’ timeless story of a boy and his Snowman who embark on a magical adventure together, really does signal the start of Christmas. So our campaign, featuring a pop-up event at London Waterloo, is particularly fitting as visitors to the station will be embarking on adventures of their own, during this key weekend at the beginning of the festive season.” 

Through November and December, customers visiting Waterstones in Brighton can enjoy free Snowman activity sheets, stickers and a photo opportunity. On 15th December Brighton Dome will screen The Snowman accompanied by a live orchestral performance of the soundtrack. LGB Brass will perform the soundtrack to a screening of The Snowman at All Saints Centre in Lewes on 22nd December.