Images released today show Madame Tussauds London’s specialist engineers and studio artists applying the finishing touches to the iconic attraction’s Spirit of London ride ahead of its 30^th anniversary week and in anticipation of the popular bank holiday weekend and May half-term. 

Highly skilled engineers and expert studio artists scaled scaffolding to clean and repaint the larger-than-life replica of Nelson’s Column, as well as servicing 87 taxis, polishing 174 head and tail lights and putting the finishing touches to 80 figures’ outfits, hair and makeup throughout the historical ride.  

Since the ride was first opened by former prime minister John Major in 1993, the Spirit of London has seen over 50 million guests enjoy a journey through the capital’s history from the comfort of London’s iconic black cabs. Excited visitors witness the historical and cultural events that have shaped London into one of the greatest cities in the world; starting out in Tudor England with streets ravaged by the plague and the Great Fire of London, moving through to a towering Nelson’s Column recreation, then coming face to face with Winston Churchill rallying the nation in WW2, before ending up celebrating the swinging 60s and fashion forward 80s in exuberant technicolour. 

In addition to giving the ride a spruce for its big day Madame Tussauds London is also offering, for one week only, free entry to anyone also turning 30. Guests sharing a birthday week with the iconic attraction’s historical ride can take advantage of the offer by simply presenting a valid ID showing their milestone birthday falls over the bank holiday weekend or May half term. The offer runs from Saturday 27^th May until Sunday 4^th June. 

On celebrating the Spirit of London’s birthday at the attraction, Tim Waters, General Manager at Madame Tussauds London, said: “Talk about a brush with history!  

“Our talented team have done a fantastic job putting the finishing touches to the moments that have made London what it is ahead of this very special milestone anniversary for our beloved ride.  

“We hope anyone else celebrating a 30^th birthday visiting over the blockbuster bank holiday and half term week will enjoy a free ride on us, and add to the wonderful memories made on the Spirit of London by the millions of visitors and celebrity guests that have hitched a ride in one of our iconic black cabs over the past 30 years.” 

Book tickets to take your anniversary ride on the Spirit of London and stand side by side with the freshly coronated King Charles and Queen Camilla in Madame Tussauds London’s The Royal Palace this May half term at www.madametussauds.com/London.