It’s been an exciting couple of weeks in regards to event announcements from two of the Merlin parks; Alton Towers & Thorpe Park. Both of which have new and returning events with their dates now available for guest to plan their trips. So let’s begin with Thorpe Park!
I will be reporting back any further events which get confirmed by other theme parks in the coming months.
Thorpe Park:
Mardi Gras – 19th May to 19th June:
A month long New Orleans-style event. It’s Thorpe Parks first time putting on this event as it has only arrived at Alton Towers last season.
To me, I feel we can expect extended opening hours alongside the park to become a feel-good party. I think it’ll be done slightly different from Alton Towers but also somewhat similar.
Carnival – 22nd July – 28th August:
A brand new event to happen across our UK theme parks. It’ll be relatively fascinating to see how this pans out and what it exactly entails. On the website, it does confirm live entertainment which “will have us watching in amazement”. I’m not quite sure what to expect from that.
Ultimately I think again we could see extended hours compared to the Summer Lates a few years ago. This will allow guests to let their hair down and I feel they will be inclined to stay on-site. It would be fab if they delivered something for the evening guests too.
Oktoberfest – 2nd – 25th September:
A firm favourite of mine is set to return for another year. We all know typically what Oktoberfest is about and what it revolves around. I can’t see many changes on that front but it’s still so lovely to see it added to the lineup once more.
Fright Nights – 1-31st October:
The normal event of the year for me is at Thorpe Park. I feel this years event could be very interesting given the loss of Platform & the uncertainty regarding Creek Freak Massacre as the building is more than likely going to be closed off alongside the remainder of Old Town.
The website quotes “Pray you don’t have the key to the door or risk unlocking your deepest, darkest nightmares”. What could this mean? Could it be a hint towards the Buckwheats moving destination. Who knows?
But one thing which has been verified is the return of scare zones & shows. The only show which I can recollect from last year was from the birthday bash. Scare zones I’m delighted to see what happens in regards to the offering of these for this season.
Alton Towers
February Half Term – Until 27th:
Don’t quote me on the date above been a 100% accurate but this event is happening right now. It is only for those staying on-site and is all Pirate themed with the inclusion of Mutiny Bay. No thrill rides are open.
Festival of Thrills – 4th April to 6th May:
This event is brand new for this season! It seems to be a celebration of the big 7 which includes Nemesis, Galactica, Oblivion, Thirteen, Rita, The Smiler & Wickerman. I’m all here for celebrations of rides it just makes my heart all warm and fussy. This event appears to have live music within the plaza area for each of the rides which can only mean an amazing atmosphere. I’m hoping we see extended opening too.
Mardi Gras – 21st May – 19th June:
A returning event from last season which included lots of entertainment across selected areas of parks, decorations all over and all-round fab atmosphere. This year I do hope we see further entertainment in the areas missed last year. But all in all I am very excited to be experiencing this event once more!
Oktoberfest – 10th September – 2nd October:
A staple in our calendar and has been since the first year of experiencing it. We always have the best time with our pals at this event unfortunately last year we did get rained out though. But I love what the park offer for this event and I do think the only was is up for this event as it saw massive improvements last season.
Scarefest – 7th-9th / 14th-30th October:
Another must-visit in calendar and this is the 15th year for this event. I can really feel this event being bigger than ever before. I’m holding out hope. Turns out within the description shares information in regards to a brand new Scare Maze set to open this year, that’s got me hyped alone. As always I’m so excited to see what will be coming and leaving the parks line-up!
Fireworks – 4th- 6th October:
Oh last years event was fab. This is always a real special event to us and we can’t wait to experience it again this year. Of course, we will be visiting the day after our wedding!! I can’t wait to see what’s in store for this years event.
Christmas – TBC Dates:
I can’t seem to find the dates on the websites at the moment. It appears the Christmas Market and Lightopia will be returning for another season which is fab news & day guests will also be able to enjoy the event. I do hope they offer all in one price ticket this season rather than the multiple options as it did get confusing.
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So, there’s a quick round-up in regards to the announcement of the events that were made! Which of these events is you most hyped for?
Thank you for reading
