Butlin's Skegness has had an update with a refurbished fairground. It includes new rides, a brand new interactive playground and The Masked Singer Live live shows. Fans of the holiday park reacted to the news with one commentator saying simply "wow!" and adding "Skeggie…here we come!"
Butlin's Skegness is one of Lincolnshire's most popular family resorts and this year it will be better than ever, according to reports. The park, which claims the title of "the UK's first-ever holiday camp", will have new attractions this year when the fairground opens at Easter with, for a start, four new rides lined up along with a new food and drink venue serving fairground favourites such as candy floss, ice cream, hotdogs and doughnuts.
Fans of the park were eagerly awaiting the opening. One said: "Can't wait to see how it's coming along next month." Another added: "It's about time we had something to show off to the rest of the country, and I'm sure the grandkids will change their minds about coming here."
So, just what will be offer at the seaside destination? Thanks to Nottinghamshire Live sister publication, Lincolnshire Live, here's what's new for the year ahead.
Four new rides for 2023
In total there will be 12 rides to enjoy in 2023. All rides are included in the holiday price, with four new additions included in the line-up.
The four new rides include:
- Eclipse - The first of its kind in the UK. Riders are seated back-to-back, with legs dangling below, as the two arms intertwine for a thrilling, gravity-driven experience.
- Orbiter - Reach new heights with a bird's-eye view of the Skegness resort as thrill-seekers are lifted to the top of the 15-meter tower. Experience a series of 'bounce and drop' sequences, with the tower lighting up as you plunge back down.
- Santa Fe Train - Inspired by Butlin's archives, this classic train ride with four covered carriages offers a gentle and enjoyable journey for all ages.
- Super Swing - Tots through to teens will feel the rush as this larger-than-life swing swoops 27 degrees. This stomach-floating ride lights up as it accelerates and will be a favourite for all the family.
The sky's the limit - new SKYPARK playground
Easter will also mark the opening of the new SKYPARK playground. Suitable for children of all ages and abilities, again it will be free to access and included in the price of the holiday.
A spokesperson for Butlin's said: "Children will enter the playground through The Heart Line – a playful pathway that pulses with light – and discover six zones that celebrate positive play emotions: joy, calm, excitement, happiness, surprise, curiosity. In the various discovery zones, every child can experience height and children of all abilities will be able to play together.
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"Epic climbing towers, thrilling tunnel slides and interactive play fill SKYPARK’s zones. At the heart of the playground is the Tower of Excitement, standing an incredible 14 metres tall, providing a panoramic sea-view and an illuminated 10-metre slide. SKYPARK will also be home to the UK's longest seesaw at 24-metres-long, which lights up the more you play as a team.
"With sensory surprises, interactive games and wheelchair-friendly equipment, everyone can be shoulder to shoulder in the heart of the action." A a new £2.5million café and outdoor terrace serving drinks and light snacks will also open alongside the playground.
Enjoy new shows
Big names and popular themes are this year's big draw. Headlining the Butlin's stage in 2023 during selected family breaks will be TV favourite, The Masked Singer Live. A new celebrity presenter will host each weekly show and will feature four favourites from past series, plus two brand-new characters. The first Masked Singer show will take place in February half-term.
All three Butlin's resorts will also be welcoming back star of stage and screen Stephen Mulhern with a brand new show. There will also be some new Butlin's productions called Jukebox Musicals and Festivals Rock. Guests can celebrate musical legends past and present and rock out to the biggest hits in Festivals Rock.
Jukebox Musicals is a musical medley of songs and dances that feature in the very best West End productions. There's also a hilarious fairytale mashup in the new Billie & Bonnie show, Once Upon A Time, and the Skyline Gang are on a new adventure searching for the polar lights in a Frozen Adventure.
Day visits
Can't commit to a holiday but want a taste of the Butlin's experience? The Butlin's Skegness resort offers day passes throughout the year including during school holidays. Prices start from £10 a child (two to 14-year-olds) and £18 an adult. Under-2s can go free (price based on a Showtime break).
A spokesperson for the resort said: "Included in the pass, day visitors get to enjoy brilliant live daytime shows in the Skyline Pavilion with performances throughout the day including the Skyline Gang's newest show, Frozen Adventure. Day visitors can also meet the leader of the Autobots, Optimus Prime and snap a photo with him. This live character encounter is the only one of its kind in the UK.
"All day visitors have access to Splash Waterworld, the amazing family pool with brilliant rides, slides, wave pools and flumes. There are also unlimited fairground rides where guests can enjoy a variety of rides, from the carousel and dodgems to waltzer and trampolines.
"For tots, the Little Stars Fairground offers everything from mini planes to teacups. There’s also soft play and outdoor playgrounds to enjoy, all included in the price of the day visit."
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