For little children in North Wales, it’s the biggest news so far in 2011 – Peppa Pig is returning to Wrexham.
Thousands of adoring young fans and their parents trotted along to the Eagles Meadow shopping centre when the immensely popular TV star and her little brother, George, came there last year.
It’s just been announced the cartoon duo will be back at Eagles Meadow between 11am and 4pm on Tuesday, February 22.
Eagles Meadow manager Kevin Critchley is anticipating another big turnout after the “amazing response” last year.
He said: “We knew Peppa the Pig and George were going to be popular but we had not expected quite as many youngsters last time. It was a bit like Pig Idol.”
Last month it was revealed that Peppa Pig has now overtaken Thomas the Tank Engine as the highest selling pre-school toy, achieving record merchandising sales of £200 million in 2010.
For those not familiar with children’s day-time TV, Peppa Pig is a five-year-old who lives with Mummy and Daddy Pig and little brother George in a house on top of a little green hill.
Her best friend is Suzy Sheep and her favourite pastime is jumping up and down in muddy puddles and laughing and making loud snorting noises.
She acts out situations which young viewers can relate to, like going on car journeys, going to playgroup and getting ready for bed.
More than two million Peppa Pig books and DVDs have been sold to date in the UK.
Aimed at children aged two and above, the programme won a children’s Bafta in 2005 for best pre-school animation.
The series won the award for the Best Pre-School Licensed Property at The Licensing Awards in 2009.
Peppa Pig episodes feature situations that are familiar to small children, including dressing up, playing games, going to playgroup, car journeys and getting ready for bed.
The stories sometimes involve a few tears but always end in snorts of laughter.
Kevin, who is a proud grandfather, is an avid follower of the Peppa Pig series.
He added: “Peppa Pig is a lovable but slightly bossy little pig. She is five years old and lives with Mummy Pig, Daddy Pig and her little brother, George in a house that sits on top of a little green hill.
“Peppa Pig likes playing with Suzy Sheep, her best friend, visiting Granny and Grandpa Pig and looking after George.
“Most of all, Peppa Pig loves jumping up and down in muddy puddles, laughing and making loud snorting noises.”
Peppa Pig’s success will soon see the young pig and her family grace television screens across the United States.
Entertainment One, the London-listed media group behind the programme, has agreed a deal with NickJnr, which will see Peppa Pig broadcast regularly throughout America.
