Sylvanian Families marks 30 years

Sylvanian Families – the collectible toy range which uses woodland animals and doll's houses to inspire a child’s imagination and teach them about nature and family relationships – is marking its 30th anniversary on 20 March 2015.

UK celebrations aim to unite Sylvanian fans of all ages, from today’s generation of 3 to10 year olds, to the fans who were born in the 80s who grew up collecting the original toys.

British village to be ‘twinned’ with Sylvania:

Launching on March 20 (the official birthday), a nationwide search will aim to find the village in Britain that most resembles the woodland paradise and friendly community depicted as ‘Sylvania’ within the toy range. A shortlist of villages will be drawn up, with fans voting via social media for the best match. The winning village will be ‘twinned’ with Sylvania at a special event, which will include the Sylvanian characters visiting the village’s primary school to present the pupils with 30 toys - enough houses and figures to make an entire Sylvanian Village.

Nature-themed birthday picnics at National Trust properties:

Celebrations continue in the summer when Sylvanian Families will partner with two National Trust properties – one in the South, one in the North - to host two summer picnics, bringing together fans of all ages to celebrate the 30th birthday!

The Sylvanian Families 30th birthday picnics will be held at:

South: Hatchlands Park, National Trust, (Surrey) - Sunday 12 July 2015

North: Wallington, National Trust (Northumberland) - Saturday 1 August 2015

With fun, nature-themed activities, plus Sylvanian Families costume character entertainment and displays of both vintage and brand new toys, these events are not be missed! Details of how to apply for tickets (free of charge) will be coming soon via www.sylvanianfamilies.com/UK

New products and new families:

2015 will also see the launch of the first ever range of Sylvanian Families enjoying the seaside, including hero toys such as the Seaside Cruiser House Boat and Adventure Treasure Ship. New sets of families are also launching, including a new polar bear family. All products will be available to buy in major toy stores from February.

A brand new fan club is also launching during the 30th anniversary (for more information, visit www.sylvanianfamilies.com/UK), plus a host of anniversary retail events and in-store displays will take place throughout the year.

First created in Japan in 1985 by toy company EPOCH, Sylvanian Families was an overnight success when it launched two years later in the UK, winning best toy award three years in a row.

To date, the total number of Sylvanian Families figures sold worldwide since launch is approximately 120 million, which is equal to 3 toys per second!

Imaginative play based around the themes of nature, family and love remain the core values at the heart of Sylvanian brand, even in today’s digital age.