We caught up with the Iconic Coca-cola christmas truck driver to ask him a bit about his average day and what its like spreading christmas cheer all around the nation. The trucks first stop is today in Bishops Square London.
Holidays are coming! Q& with the Coca-Cola Christmas truck driver
Tell us a bit about yourself?
I'm Paul and I'm 40 years old. For the past three years, I've been helping to spread festive cheer across the nation as the driver of the Coca-Cola Christmas truck.
How did you become the driver of the iconic Coca Cola Christmas truck?
I was working for the company that owns the Coca-Cola Christmas truck when the chance to be the driver came up. To get behind the wheel of one of the most iconic trucks in the world was an incredible opportunity - I jumped at the chance!
What is it like driving across the country in the Christmas truck?
Driving the Coca-Cola Christmas truck is an amazing experience and for many people catching a glimpse of the truck is a sign that the festive season has truly begun! It's brilliant to spread holiday cheer across the nation in the run up to Christmas and is always lovely to see people's reactions to the truck.
Why do you think the Coca- Cola truck is such an iconic Christmas feature?
The 'Holidays Are Coming' advert is so famous and I'm always being asked when it will be back on TV; it kick starts people's countdown to Christmas. People have grown up with the ad - it celebrates 21 years on UK screens this Christmas- and it has even been voted the UK's favourite Christmas commercial; so when people see the truck in real life, it really does start to feel like Christmas is here.
Are there any special moments you've seen at the truck stops?
Seeing visitors' excitement when they catch sight of the truck for the first time is always very special. Often the adults are just as excited as the kids! I've also seen a few marriage proposals over the years - it's great that Coca-Cola can a sprinkle of Christmas magic to people's special moments.
What is your average day like as the Christmas truck driver?
Once the tour kicks off, I spend my time on the road bringing the truck tour experience to different locations. When we arrive, I spend my time chatting to the local community at the stop, many of whom have been looking forward to the truck arriving for weeks!
Visiting so many different towns and cities across the UK means that no two truck tour stops are ever the same, but there's a fantastic atmosphere at every location. This year we're visiting 44 stops across the country in November and December and I'm looking forward to spreading some Christmas cheer.
How do you feel knowing you are bringing a sense of Christmas spirit across the nation?
It's an amazing feeling! The truck tour is in its sixth year and continues to provide so much festive joy; it's lovely to see how excited people get when they hear the truck is coming to their town. It's such an honour to play a role in getting the nation excited for Christmas - I think it is the best job in the world!
Do you ever find it tiring driving across the nation?
I've been driving trucks professionally for years, so have a lot of experience behind the wheel. Guidelines from the Vehicle and Operator Services Agency mean that I drive for an allocated amount of hours each day and take regular breaks to ensure I don't get tired.
What can people expect from the Christmas truck experience this year?
The truck tour is in its sixth year and has always been hugely popular. But this year, visitors can enjoy an extra-special experience with an exciting new look truck tour. During the day, there will be a winter wonderland for people to explore and after dark, an amazing projection show, will be broadcast onto the side of the truck. For the first time ever,
Visitors can even tweet @CocaCola_GB, using #HolidaysAreComing and see their post projected on the side of the truck!
Finally what's next for you?
I'll be heading home to put my feet up and spend Christmas with my friends and family. It is nice to have a break but it won't be long before I'm itching to get back on the road for next year's tour!
Find out when the truck is near you!
Glasgow - 18th Nov
Ayr - 19th Nov
Dundee - 20th Nov
Carlisle - 22nd Nov
Yeovil - 22nd Nov
Exeter - 23rd Nov
Newcastle upon Tyne - 23rd Nov
Cardiff - 24th Nov
Sunderland - 24th Nov
Bristol - 25th Nov
Leeds - 25th Nov
Scarborough - 26th Nov
Swindon - 26th Nov
Bradford - 27th Nov
Milton Keynes - 27th Nov
Bournemouth - 29th Nov
Wrexham - 29th Nov
Southampton - 30th Nov
Watford - 1st Dec
Manchester - 1st Dec
Intu Trafford Centre, Manchester - 2nd Dec
Lancaster - 3rd Dec
Liverpool - 4th Dec
The O2 Greenwich, London - 3rd Dec The O2 Greenwich, London - 4th Dec
Baldock - 6th Dec
St Helens - 6th Dec Harlow - 7th Dec
Doncaster - 8th Dec Ipswich - 8th Dec
Cleethorpes - 9th Dec
Norwich - 9th Dec
Lincoln - 10th Dec
Northampton - 11th Dec
Leicester - 13th Dec
Peterborough - 13th Dec
Leyton Mills, London - 14th Dec
Telford - 14th Dec
Southend - on - Sea - 15th Dec
Birmingham - 17th Dec
Eastbourne - 17th Dec
Coca-Cola London Eye, London - 18th Dec
Leicester Square, London - 20th Dec
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