Blackpool Pleasure Beach announces closure of legendary ride after 64 years

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Blackpool Pleasure Beach has announced that it’s time to say goodbye to one of its legendary rides after more than six decades.

The Lancashire seaside theme park is calling on fans to travel from far and wide to help “wave the chequered flag for a final time” as it bids farewell to the beloved Grand Prix ride after an impressive 64 years of racing.

In case you’re unfamiliar with the attraction, Grand Prix is a track ride that opened at Blackpool Pleasure Beach all the way back in 1960 – but, after more than six decades in action, the resort announced that the ride would not operate for the 2024 season as it is “planning a new attraction” instead.

And so, a “spectacular send-off” is being planned in a couple of months time in a bid to properly show the historic ride the love it deserves.

Grand Prix: The Final Lap is all set kick-off from 6pm on Friday 7 June, and tickets are now on sale and already selling fast among those keen to wave the race off into the distance.

A description for the highly-anticipated event on the Blackpool Pleasure Beach website reads: “It’s lights out, and away we go. As our Grand Prix ride leaves the pits for the final time, join us in celebrating 64 years of racing.

“An evening of memorable performances by local artists and musicians, live DJ sets, and entertainment from Pleasure Beach’s own Grid Girls. Of course, as the main event, guests will have the chance to enjoy the Grand Prix for one final time, experience the same G-force as an F1 driver on ICON, and receive a commemorative certificate to verify that they were one of the last people to ride such an iconic ride, as well as a memento ticket.”

Real-life supercars provided by Bispham-based business Elite Competitions, along with the Pleasure Beach’s own Jordan F1 car, will also be there on the day for fans to marvel at, and you’ll even be able to have your pictures taken with the iconic vehicles too.

You’ll be greeted with prosecco on arrival to the party, all before you get to tuck into a wide array of Grand Prix-themed snacks and food.

As mentioned, tickets to Grand Prix: The Final Lap are now on sale on the Blackpool Pleasure Beach website, and will set you back £50 each.

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Find out more and book tickets here.

Featured Image – Blackpool Pleasure Beach