Magical Taxi Tour sets off for Disneyland Paris celebrating its 30th year anniversary
- Perry Richardson
- Sep 13
- 3 min read
Updated: Sep 15
The Magical Taxi Tour (MTT), run by the Worshipful Company of Hackney Carriage Drivers, is marking its 30th anniversary this year with continued backing from LEVC.
First launched in 1995, the charity event takes more than 100 black taxis full of children with life-threatening conditions on a journey to Disneyland Paris. The convoy stretches nearly three miles when on the motorway, creating one of the most memorable spectacles in the taxi trade calendar.
For the 30th anniversary, 96 of the 100 vehicles will be LEVC’s TX model. The zero-exhaust-emission capable taxi has become a mainstay of London’s streets, now accounting for over 60% of the capital’s taxi fleet. Since its introduction in 2018, the TX has prevented more than 300 million kilograms of CO2 from entering the atmosphere worldwide.
Over the past three decades, the Magical Taxi Tour has organised 30 trips for families, with taxi drivers collectively volunteering around 1.8 million miles of driving. Some of the longest-serving drivers have covered up to 20,000 miles each in unpaid service. Every participant, from drivers to support staff, gives their time freely to make the experience possible.
LEVC contributes annually by donating vehicles from its own fleet, allowing company representatives to take part. The business also provides direct financial support, covers fuel costs for all taxis, and offers spending money for families on the trip.
The Magical Taxi Tour has become one of the most significant charity events within the taxi trade, combining the industry’s commitment to service with a milestone celebration of community support.
Chris Allen, Managing Director, LEVC, said: "Each year, Taxi drivers travel from all over the UK to support the amazing charitable work done by the Magical Taxi Tour. Now in its 30th year, the charity provides a joy-filled experience like no other for the families and children involved. As we celebrate this landmark year, I’m delighted that LEVC’s iconic TX will again offer families a safe, accessible and comfortable ride to Paris and back. The MTT is a charity that’s very close to our heart at LEVC and we remain committed to supporting this amazing cause for many years to come."
Phillip Davis, Founder of the Magical Taxi Tour, said: “As we celebrate our thirtieth year of the Magical Taxi Tour charity, it gives us great pleasure to reflect on the hundreds of families and children we have helped over the years. This vital charity work provides much needed respite for those involved, with a weekend of fun and laughter at Disneyland Paris. I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to everyone involved, from our sponsors and to the generous drivers themselves, who continue to go the extra mile to make this special trip possible every year."
Ian Parsons, who has driven on every Magical Taxi Tour since it began 30 years ago, said: "It’s an amazing trip to be part of – what’s not to love about giving these children such special memories? I’ve been fortunate enough to take part in every single tour, and over the years it has become deeply personal to me. Before the 1997 trip, my mum was very ill. I visited her in hospital every day and told her I obviously wouldn’t be participating, but she insisted I didn’t miss it – and I’ve carried that with me ever since. It would need a very good reason for me to ever miss it now. It’s a huge team effort with hundreds of volunteers making it all possible. I remind myself each child is experiencing this trip for the first time, so I try to approach every journey with the same excitement and enthusiasm. The difference it makes can be measured by the smiles on all the children's faces. It really is the trip of a lifetime – for the families, and for all us drivers too."
