Gunwharf Quays Christmas Express ticket site crashes due to high demand

Following the success of last year's Enchanted Narnia event, part of the waterside shopping centre will be transformed into a traditional Victorian street with a ticket office and railway station.

Snow-capped mountains and talking reindeer will also be part of the Christmas experience at Gunwharf Quays. 

Once visitors are on the Victorian railway station at the Portsmouth shopping centre, they can take a seat on the Gunwharf Express and enjoy a simulated ride through snow-capped mountains and icy scenery to arrive at the North Pole.

Tickets for the Gunwharf Express went on sale this morning (October 11) but the website has suffered technical issues due to high demand. 

The ticketing website will be down for the rest of today (October 11) but will launch again tomorrow (October 12) at 9am. 

Gunwharf Quays tweeted: '˜Gunwharf Express Update. 

'˜Unfortunately, due to high demand, we're having issues with our Gunwharf Express ticketing website.

'˜So we can put things right to make your ordering experience straight forward, we've taken the decision to restart the site tomorrow morning at 9am.' 

Shopper taking a ride on the Gunwharf Express will then be able to meet Father Christmas and receive a gift, see his talking reindeer and enjoy festive stories and songs at an Elves Workshop.

Children can also create a Christmas decoration to take home.

The attraction will have live actors, visual effects and festive music.

Colin Wilding, general manager at Gunwharf Quays, said: '˜The Christmas shopping season is one of our busiest and we welcome thousands of shoppers looking for a truly festive shopping experience.

'˜This year, we are delighted to be hosting another fantastic immersive Christmas attraction at Gunwharf Quays, supported by Wave 105.

'˜Last year, Enchanted Narnia was a huge hit with our visitors and we hope this year's Gunwharf Express will be even bigger and better.'

Gunwharf Express will open on Saturday, November 24 and remain open until Christmas Eve.

Visitors are advised to book in advance.

Standard tickets are £11.99 for adults and £14.99 for children. For more information visit gunwharf-quays.com