£8.2m Pleasure Beach ride to open in less than two weeks

Blackpool Pleasure Beach’s record-breaking £8.2m ride is edging closer to completion with less than two weeks until its official launch. 

Aviktas will swing into action on Thursday May 21, launching its riders 138 feet into the air at angles of up to 120 degrees. 

Its size marks it as the largest of its kind in the UK which is almost double the height of the current tallest. 

Since the start of construction, the site has been under wraps and shielded from public view, behind fencing and hoarding. 

Amanda Thompson, chief executive of Pleasure Beach Resort, said: “This isn’t just a new ride for Pleasure Beach, it’s a completely unique experience to UK theme parks as a whole.  

“We have a history of going big and this certainly is no exception. 

 “We’re in the final stages now. The finishing touches are being added and we’re making sure everything is ready for its opening on the May 21.” 

 The site was previously home to the Bowladrome, an arcade and entertainment venue that stood from the 1960s, until its demolition in March 2025. 

Lancashire Business View reported in November 2025 about the dramatic 
transformation of the area when work started on four of the ride’s 16-tonne legs being erected on site. 

Also the first swing of the ride was in March this year.  

Last week, the resort was recognised as one of the world’s top theme parks, securing a place in TripAdvisor’s 2026 Travellers’ Choice Awards: Best of the Best Things To Do.  

The seaside attraction ranked sixth in Europe and 10th globally in the amusement and water parks category, making it the top-rated theme park inside of the UK. 

For more information visit Blackpool Pleasure Beach Resort website.