A collection of much-anticipated luxury Safari Lodges are set to open to the public at a popular UK safari park this April.
The exotic accommodations at West Midlands Safari Park in Kidderminster certainly got people all across the country talking when they were first announced – with a grand opening date originally planned for last year – but its debut was delayed on a number of occasions due to setbacks as a result of the ever-persistent coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
And sadly, the opening – which was due to take place in February – has been pushed back once again to Easter.
A statement from West Midlands Safari Park on social media said: “It is with a heavy heart that we announce our Safari Lodges opening date will once again be delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We very much hope to be open for Easter, and plan Friday 2nd April 2021 as our revised opening date, providing this is in line with government guidance.”
But what exactly can animal lovers expect from the new lodges once they open?
Located right on the edge of the park’s elephant and cheetah zones, the collection of luxury lodges are set to feature direct views of the animals.
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With eight rooms that can sleep up to five guests, each lodge has an open plan living room, as well as outdoor seating areas and balconies, meaning you can enjoy your morning brew in the company of some of the park’s very special residents, including young male elephant Sutton, his mum Five, and his aunt Latabe.
Two of the lodges also overlook the cheetah enclosure, where you’ll find Asrael and Bappe, who were transported over from France last year.
Each lodge also has a king-size bedroom on the lower floor, with the upper floor sleeping three people,.
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There’s also an option to add a cot if you’ve got a baby on board.
West Midlands Safari Park
After announcing that the lodges would be opening, the park has understandably captured the attentions of many eager fans and animal lovers up and down the country.
Replying to questions and queries about the lodges on social media to give a further insight into what to expect, West Midlands Safari Park said: “The lodges will be authentically themed and allow guests exclusive views of the animals. Guests are encouraged to make use of the outdoor terrace in the elephant lodges, to watch the magnificent creatures approach their pool, situated in front.
“The cheetah lodges include a large window, spanning one side of the building, offering panoramic views of the cheetahs in their new habitat.
“A floor-to-ceiling window offers similar, incredible views in the bedrooms.”
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West Midlands Safari Park
A stay at West Midlands Safari Park’s new Safari Lodges also includes access to the park and wristbands for rides at the theme park, with prices starting at £147 per night for kids, and £171 per night for adults.
Stockport-born Michelle Keegan, who also starred in Coronation Street, has been flooded with well-wishes after sharing the news of the arrival of their baby.
The official Coronation Street account wrote: “Congratulations to you both. Love from everyone here at Corrie x”
In a comment directed at Mark, Joe Wicks said: “Ffs I’m crying over here. I know how much you’ve wanted to be a dad and you’ll be an amazing dad too. This is the most beautiful thing to see. So happy for you both.”
Full band lineup for Oasis reunion reportedly revealed
Danny Jones
Every time a new detail about the Oasis reunion shows drops we ever so slightly lose our mind and if reports on the full band lineup for the world tour are to be trusted, we have every right to do so.
We can’t say all of the gang are back together, but it sounds like a good few of them are.
The ‘Live ’25’ gigs are fast approaching and although we’ve already had the support acts confirmed, fans have been waiting to find out whether the other Oasis bandmates would be joining the Gallagher brothers in reuniting this summer.
Well, according to NME, we now know the other names who’ll be standing aside Liam and Noel to bring the Britpop icons back to life.
BREAKING OASIS BAND REVEAL:
Bonehead,Gem Archer, Joey Waronker, and Andy Bell will join LIAM AND NOEL GALLAGHER on stage for Oasis live '25 Tour pic.twitter.com/WFoMYZ6rlU
As has now been reshared at length online, sources close to the band reportedly told the outlet that at least one of the original Oasis lineup is thought to be joining them on tour, as well as two long-serving members who played with the legendary rock band between 1999 and their split a decade later.
The seemingly ‘confirmed’ lineup is as follows:
Paul ‘Bonehead’ Arthurs – rhythm guitar
Perhaps the most anticipated member said to be returning to the stage is legendary guitarist, ‘Bonehead’. After playing with LG for a number of years as a solo artist and now having been given the all-clear following his cancer diagnosis, Archers is a lasting connection to the ’91 lineup.
Gem Archer – guitar and backing vocals
The other name carrying the riffs besides Arthurs and Noel will be Gem Archer: the man who replaced the returning 59-year-old who has similarly played with both Liam’s Beady Eye and the older Gallagher brother’s High Flying Birds for many years.
Andy Bell – bass
Next up is another member of the ’99-2009 lineup as Andy Bell is believed to be dusting off his bass guitar for the Live ’25 dates. Bell, now 54, replaced legendary Paul ‘Guigsy’ McGuigan and is also a former member of Welsh indie rock band Ride – but now he’s set to get back on the road with Oasis.
Joey Waronker – drums
Last but not least is the only ‘new’ face and that is 55-year-old Joey Waronker, a well-known American drummer and producer who has worked with everyone from Beck, Thom Yorke, R.E.M, as well as former Stone Roses member John Squire on his joint album with Liam Gallagher released in March 2024.
As for how accurate this list is, we weren’t too sure until Liam quickly hopped on social media and essentially hinted that the leak may or may not be on the money.
Then again, you never know if the infamous frontman is on the wind-up or not…
Writing on X, he said, “It’s not the lineup reveal I’m bothered about I’ll reveal that to you in a minute I’m more bothered about the line where it says a source close to the band and tour that really causes me a great deal of concern LG x”.
It didn’t take long for him to sarcastically post his own ‘real’ lineup in response:
To be honest, whatever combination of former, most recent or first-time players we get, we’re just going to be happy to see the Burnage boys standing side by side in the flesh.
We’re still not sure we’ll believe it until we see them up there on the stage with our own eyes but, for now, it looks as though the Oasis reunion is on track with a strong lineup to make the comeback as memorable as possible.
It’s nice to the Gallagher kids now getting along with each other again too:
Emily Sergeant -
20th January 2021 
