05 December 2023 , 20:07
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Cumbria's top health boss has reiterated that the Coca-Cola Christmas truck is not welcome in the county, as part of efforts to combat obesity.
Colin Cox, the director of public health for Cumbria, said he "stands by" comments made back in 2017 criticising the promotion of sugary drinks during the festive season, especially to children. Mr Cox, along with Stewart Young, leader of Cumbria County Council, penned an open letter six years ago stating the bright red truck was not welcome in Cumbria.
The truck last visited the county in 2016 and this year's tour has so far visited Liverpool and Manchester. Despite the popularity of the truck, with hundreds of families previously travelling to Carlisle and Penrith to have their photos taken with it and receive free samples, Mr Cox has made it clear that they do not want it back in the county, either this year or in the future.
The Coca-Cola truck has 11 more stops still to be announcedThe Coca Cola Christmas truck, a festive sight for 26 years since its debut in the 'Holidays Are Coming' advert, is set to tour again. However, Cumbria's director of public health and communities, Colin Cox, told CumbriaLive: "Coca Cola is exceptionally good at marketing and the Coca-Cola Christmas truck is just one of their many marketing tools. They're trying to associate sugar syrup, which is what Coca Cola is, with happy, festive times in peoples' heads."
Last week the Coca-Cola Christmas truck tour traversed the north of EnglandHe added: "We have an extremely high rate of childhood obesity and sugary drinks are, without a doubt, part of that issue. So, I stand by what I said back in 2017, I do not want to see the Coca Cola Christmas truck in Cumberland this Christmas."
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It comes shortly after another stop for the Coca-Cola Christmas truck tour was announced, with the festive attraction set to hit more cities this week.
Last week, the popular Christmas truck headed north, taking Santa to Manchester for locals to enjoy. The magical tour began in Glasgow and Edinburgh, letting guests enjoy interactive experiences, a walk-in snow-filled bauble and a winter wonderland photo booth.
On Sunday, it stopped off in Sheffield at The Meadowhall Centre. Visitors also made a stop at the Ho-Ho-Hoop hut to try and win a selection of prizes and enjoy the Coca-Cola Christmas choir.
The Coca-Cola Christmas tour so far:
- Glasgow, Silverburn Shopping Centre: Friday 24th November, 12:00 - 20:00
- Edinburgh, Fort Kinnaird Shopping Centre: Saturday 25th November, 12:00 - 20:00
- Gateshead, Metrocentre, St. Michaels Way, Metrocentre, Gateshead NE11 9Y: Sunday 26th November, 11:00 - 17:00
- White Rose Shopping Centre, Dewsbury Road, Leeds, LS11 8LU: Thursday 30th November, 12:00 - 20:00
- Liverpool ONE, 5 Wall Street, Liverpool, L1 8JQ: Friday 1st December, 12:00 - 20:00
- The Trafford Centre, Trafford Park, Stretford, Manchester M17 8AA: Saturday 2nd December, 12:00 - 20:00
- Meadowhall Centre, The Management Suite 1 The Oasis, Sheffield S9 1E: Sunday 3rd December, 11:00 - 17:00
The tour will have 17 stops this year - meaning there are 11 more still yet to be announced - and this includes eight new stops compared to last year. The rest of the dates are yet to be announced, but last year the popular festive attraction stopped off at:
- Kent
- Beckton
- London
- Manchester
- Bristol
- Bradford
- Cardiff
- Leeds
- Wolverhampton
- Coventry
- Sheffield
- Leeds
- Watford
- Baldock
- East Leake
Florence Wheatley, Brand Manager at Coca-Cola Company, Great Britain, said: "Coca-Cola has been spreading Christmas cheer for decades and, this year, we’ve added even more exciting elements to make it as magical and merry as possible. Alongside the beloved 'Holidays Are Coming' advert, we have introduced new elements like the 'World Needs More Santas' TVC and an interactive Santa Quiz.
"We’re also thrilled to extend our partnership with Neighbourly and emphasise spreading kindness and making a positive impact locally. Together, we want to inspire year-round acts of goodwill and truly make a difference in our communities!"
* An AI tool was used to add an extra layer to the editing process for this story. You can report any errors to [email protected]