This weekend sees the launch of the 2018 Doncaster Visitor Guide at a special event bringing together partners from Club Doncaster and guests from Plymouth Argyle.
The 44 page guide is packed full of things to do and see in Doncaster and is the work of Doncaster Council’s Visit Doncaster Team.
The launch event coincides with the visit of Plymouth Argyle to the Keepmoat Stadium for the League One clash with Doncaster Rovers, a perfect opportunity to link the two towns ahead of 2020 celebrations for Mayflower 400.
The history off the field of play between the two towns goes back 400 years to the time of the sailing of the Mayflower from Plymouth carrying the Pilgrims who colonised America. Two of the most significant Mayflower Pilgrims were William Bradford from Austerfield and William Brewster from Scrooby who went on to become the first governor of the Plymouth Massachusetts colony.
Tourism development officer Richard Young said: “The two towns have a great connection in history and as we look to strengthen our ties again ahead of the massive plans for 2020 we thought this a great opportunity to launch the visitor guide and show our guests what Doncaster has to offer.
“We will be working with teams across the UK to provide a range of great attractions for our anticipated American visitors in the coming years, all looking to trace their heritage and visiting Doncaster as the home of two of the most important Pilgrims.”
Destination manager Lorna Reeve added: The visitor guide is a vital part of our annual publicity for the visitor economy. We print and distribute 20,000 copies up and down the UK and even overseas: as we strive to put Doncaster on the map and promote the great things to see and do right here on our doorstep.
“We have one of only three Georgian Mansion Houses in the country, countless historic buildings, great parks and green spaces as well as entertainment for all the family. Bawtry Paintball Fields is Europe’s largest outdoor activity centre: the Yorkshire Wildlife Park is the UK’s No.1 walk-through Wildlife Park and this list goes on and on.
“We also have some of the finest hotels in the region and top class entertainment at Cast Theatre, the Racecourse and Doncaster Dome. We have a lot to shout about and it’s our job to make sure local residents and visitors from farther afield know what’s right here in Doncaster.”
The event on Saturday sees the two sporting team’s mascots, Donny Dog and Pilgrim Pete, enjoying a pre kick-off presentation of one of Doncaster’s other hero’s, Paddington Bear, as well as the handover of the very first of the visitor guides.
There is even a Donny Dog sculpture being unveiled as part of the launch activities. Local artist Nick Boruk of “We Are BLOK HEDS” will unveil the caricature of the much loved Doncaster Rovers mascot as part of the ongoing partnership with Visit Doncaster and Club Doncaster.