News

Blackpool Pleasure Beach is getting a new multi-million pound ride

If it's been a minute since you've been, you'll soon have another BIG reason to go back.

Thomas Melia Thomas Melia - 28th March 2025

One of the North West’s favourite theme parks, Blackpool Pleasure Beach, is receiving a brand new, multi-million pound ride next year.

The newest addition to the massive coastal amusement park will be a giant gyro swing, and work on making it come to life in the park has already started.

Although the concept of a swinging pendulum may exist at other theme parks in the UK, Blackpool Pleasure Beach reassures thrill-seekers that this will be bigger than any other – especially in terms of height. You could say this is the new rival to ‘The Big One’.

It’s certainly big in terms of cost, as estimates have construction valued at around £8.72m.

Blackpool Pleasure Beach is getting a new multi-million pound ride.
Blackpool Pleasure Beach is home to some phenomenal rides and they’re gaining another.
Blackpool Pleasure Beach is getting a new multi-million pound ride.
Thrill seekers will be able to the Pleasure Beach’s latest ride next year.
Credit: Pleasure Beach Resort

The attraction is set to hold 40 riders who, if brave enough, will face outward with their legs dangling over the edge to replicate the feeling of flying.

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This new ride has been on the horizon ever since Blackpool Pleasure Beach sent a digital van to their rivals over at Thorpe Park (currently closed for maintenance), which read: “We’ll just have to come up with something else then, won’t we?”

The next closest competitor at Drayton Manor is ‘Maelstrom’, which reaches nearly 74 feet, while this gyro swing will more or less double this number, racking up to 138 feet at its highest point at a 120-degree angle. Gulp.

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Suspense has been building for this new addition as eager adrenaline junkies noticed the demolition of the former Bowl-A-Drome building, with no words from the park itself – until now.

CEO of Pleasure Beach Resort, Amanda Thompson OBE, said: “We’re thrilled to confirm the addition of a Gyro Swing at Pleasure Beach Resort, with work already underway.” It doesn’t have an official name yet, but it’s been dubbed ‘Project MMXXVI’.

Thompson also stated, “We’re well known for doing things on a large scale, so becoming home to the largest Gyro Swing in the UK made complete sense.”

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This isn’t the only attraction receiving all the love at Blackpool Pleasure Beach as ‘Wallace & Gromit‘s Thrill-O-Matic’ is adding some new scenes, thanks to its recent win at the BAFTAs.

Much-loved ride ‘River Caves’ is also going to be re-imagined, while the ‘Launch Pad’ – which recently finished an upgrade earlier this year – will be open in Spring.

The Gyro Swing will be opening sometime in 2026, and while the date for its grand debut might not be released, the park has spoken on its location, announcing it will be placed up in the north of the park.

How exciting!

Blackpool Pleasure Beach is getting a new multi-million pound ride.
Blackpool Pleasure Beach is constantly adding innovative rides.
Blackpool Pleasure Beach is getting a new multi-million pound ride.
This new Gyro Swing will be joining the infamous ‘The Big One’.
Credit: Supplied

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Featured Image — Publicity Picture (via Supplied)

News

London attraction The Curling Club is now expanding into Manchester

Thomas Melia Thomas Melia

Well-reviewed winter attraction The Curling Club, which has already made a name for itself in London, is now making its way to Manchester.

Set to open in Manchester’s world-class skyscraper district, New Jackson, The Curling Club is keeping its stay short and sweet, with a three-month residency here in the city centre.

Curling Club will signal in the mid-winter season as it runs from late November right through until the end of February, giving you a lengthy period of time to sweep ’til your heart’s content.

This sports-themed pop-up opened in the capital last year, offering guests a wintery escape packed with food and drink choices, accommodating up to 600 people at a time, right next to The Shard.

The Curling Club is set to open in Manchester this November until February.
The Curling Club is set to open in Manchester this November until February.
Imagine a pint or two in this curling haven in Manchester this year.
Imagine a pint or two in this curling haven in Manchester this year.
Credit: Justin De Souza

Now, Manchester’s latest activity bar destination is bringing its charm and competitiveness to Manchester for the first time ever, hoping to emulate the success of its capital predecessor while encouraging people to pick up the sport.

Just like the original London location, their Manc site will feature the iconic custom-built lanes and sustainably-made granite stones, which are set to improve your precision and control – fancy that.

We’re sure will still somehow manage to be the worst players in the room at any given time.

If that wasn’t enough curling expertise for you, there will also be on-site coaches helping guests perfect their technique and providing some top-notch advice.

There will even be an exclusive appearance from Olympic gold medallist Eve Muirhead and Team GB’s ‘Chef de Mission’, Mark England, who will be hosting select events across the two cities.

Manchester can expect a similar curling set-up this year.
Manchester can expect a similar curling set-up this year.
The glitter-ball dancers ready and waiting for this wintertime.
The glitter-ball dancers ready and waiting for this wintertime.
Credit: Justin De Souza

New Jackson will be the ultimate backdrop for this innovative winter experience as the venue will be curating seasonal cocktails as well as being home to live DJS, glitter-ball dancers and some seriously good food.

You had us at booze and scran.

Keep this seasonal site in mind as they’re already marking themselves as a destination for work parties, events, group outings and Christmas party celebrations.

Trevor Bowers, Chairman of The Curling Club, said of the impending opening: “With this expansion and other plans, we’re accelerating our national rollout – all while staying focused on delivering exceptional, high-quality experiences for both guests and corporate clients during the winter season.”

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Featured Images — Justin De Souza (supplied)

News

Nine arrested in multiple coordinated raids after ‘celebrating Hitler’s birthday’ in Oldham pub

Danny Jones Danny Jones Hitler birthday party neo Nazis Oldham pub

Nine arrests were made earlier this week after a group of suspected neo-Nazis were discovered celebrating Adolf Hitler’s birthday at a pub in Oldham last month.

Alarming stuff, to say the least.

The individuals in question were arrested following a series of coordinated morning raids across multiple areas of Greater Manchester, including Rochdale, Bolton, Trafford and Stockport.

Another man was taken into custody from an address in Southport, with those involved belonging to the North West arm of a far-right group known simply as ‘British Movement’.

Craft Union Pubs, who operate the establishment, said they were “absolutely appalled”. (Credit: Google Maps)

The pub in question was the Duke of Edinburgh in Royton, a town of around 21,000 people located in north Oldham; the owners, who were said to have been ‘tricked’ into allowing the celebrations, were shocked to learn the group were observing Hitler’s birthday.

Upon realising the true nature of the festivities after images were shared on social media, staff immediately reported the party to the local authorities and Greater Manchester Police (GMP) officers based in and around the borough were then made aware of the situation.

As seen online – including on British Movement Northern’s (BMN) own website – the pub were seen holding Nazi flags, SS bolts and the Iron Cross, even posting pictures eating a cake with swastika icing alongside captions which included the line, “the 136th birthday of Uncle A.”

Taking place on Wednesday morning, 7 May, several morning raids saw those present detained on suspicion of Section 18 Public Order Act offences, which relate to displaying written material which is threatening, abusive or insulting, intended to stir up racial hatred.

During the extensive operation, everything from imitation firearms to real weapons like swords and a crossbow, along with numerous other pieces of Nazi memorabilia were found. Police are still investigating the incident and searching the relevant premises in Oldham and beyond.

neo nazi party for hitlers bday in royton oldham
oldham neo nazi party swastika cake
Beyond shocking. (Credit: BMN)

GMP have been quick to contact Counter Terrorism Policing North West (CTPNW) to advise on the materials and assess further risk; for instance, following the recovery of a suspected grenade at a property in Bolton, Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) was deployed and the item declared safe.

Assistant Chief Constable Steph Parker said in an official statement: “Due to the nature of the materials we recovered at the warrants today, we have liaised with colleagues at CTPNW. This is a matter of course, and it very much remains a GMP-led investigation.

“It’s important that all avenues are explored to establish the extent of the criminal offences which have been committed, and whilst our investigation is still in its early stages, we do not believe there to be a risk to the wider public.

“This group clearly has a deep fascination with ideas that we know are unsettling for communities across Greater Manchester. We must take action when concerns are raised, and where weapons are suspected, to ensure people are free to live without fear of intimidation or harm.”

Naturally, GMP are encouraging people to stay vigilant and come forward with any further information or concerns they may have.

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Featured Images — British Movement Northern/GMP/Google Maps

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