Press Releases
Here you'll find the latest news and updates from the resort. This page offers access to official announcements, event details, and information on new attractions. Whether you're a journalist or simply interested in the latest developments at Drayton Manor, this is the go-to resource for all press-related materials. Stay informed with our most recent updates and learn more about the exciting events and milestones at Drayton Manor Resort.
Dinosaurs are on the loose at Drayton Manor Resort this February Half Term!
Dinosaur Breakout is back! From February 10th until 20th February 2024, the park’s popular dino-themed February half-term returns for a limited time only. Guests can expect to be immersed in their very own pre-historic expedition as some of Europe’s largest walking dinosaurs roam around the resort. There’s a whole host of dino-tastic entertainment on offer throughout the day, where guests can get up close and personal with Jurassic giants, meet a-roar-able baby dinos, and dance with dinos at the end of day disco show.
In addition to dino-themed fun, guests will be able to experience fun and excitement across the park with Thomas Land rides and the park’s 15-acre zoo open for the event. In addition to over 25 shows, rides and attractions in Europe’s only Thomas Land, February half-term will be the first chance for guests to experience Terence’s Driving School after its relocation to Thomas Land.
The event is an exciting start to the year for the park, with 2024 shaping up to be one of the most exciting years at Drayton Manor Resort to date. The park is bringing two new rides to guests this year, in addition to an action-packed events programme. The park’s iconic Shockwave rollercoaster is being transformed into the UK’s most thrilling family ride with brand-new sit-down trains and an updated ride experience. There’s also a brand new Intamin family lift and launch rollercoaster, the biggest investment for the park in over 10 years.
Managing Director Victoria Lynn commented “We’re thrilled to get the season started with the return of our popular Dinosaur Breakout event. We know that our guests loved this event when it debuted last year, so we’re very excited to bring it back bigger and better than before!”
“2024 is shaping up to be the best year yet at Drayton Manor and we can’t wait for our guests to experience everything we have in store for them this year. Dinosaur Breakout will be a fantastic way to kick-start such an incredible year for the park.”
Day tickets to the Dinosaur Breakout event start from £23 per person, with children under 23 months going free. Guests looking for the ultimate short break for young dino-fans can stay overnight at the on-site Drayton Manor Hotel from just £50 per person, including breakfast, a ride fastpass and character breakfast. Bargain-hunters looking to enjoy all of the exciting additions at the park this year can take advantage of the park’s limited time annual pass sale, with 10% off all annual passes until 10th February.
Drayton Manor Resort launches world’s first rollercoaster rave
Popular Midlands attraction, Drayton Manor Resort, invited guests to celebrate its new Summer Nights festival line-up in style by enjoying the world’s first stand-up roller coaster rave.
Marking the start of the festival season, visitors to the Tamworth theme park were able to banish the Glastonbury blues and board the aptly named ShockRAVE, experiencing the ultimate party atmosphere whilst reaching speeds of 53mph.
Riders of the rave roller coaster donned special outfits for the occasion and prepared for the ultimate rave experience by enjoying club classics in the queue, before embarking on a ride like no other – featuring ShockRAVE’s twisting corkscrews, loops, and bends set to a backing track of banging beats, allowing guests to truly ride the rhythm.
The renaming marks the start of Drayton Manor Resort’s Summer Nights festival which launches on Saturday 1 July and runs every Saturday and Sunday until the end of August, with an impressive line-up performing live each weekend.
The action-packed schedule features themed weekends, including Disco Divas and Back to the 90s, where live DJs and tribute acts for fan-favourites such as Abba, Little Mix, Take That and Taylor Swift will be playing from 6pm.
For those looking for an extra thrill, some of the park’s most popular rides will stay open until an extended time of 9pm on Saturdays.
Jamie Turner, Marketing Director at Drayton Manor Resort, said: “The start of the festival season is a key summer milestone, so we wanted to help guests celebrate in style by boarding the world’s first roller coaster rave – ShockRAVE!"
“Renaming one of our most iconic rides and bringing the rave experience to the roller coaster was no mean feat, but the team did a fantastic job at creating the ultimate party experience – from a queue-rave while waiting to board, to club classics blasting throughout the ride."
“The party marks the start of our new Summer Nights line-up, featuring live acts every weekend across July and August. We’re excited to launch our amazing schedule this Saturday and invite everyone to come along – you won’t want to miss it!”
The full line-up for Summer Nights includes:
- July 1 – 2: Rewind
- July 8 – 9: Disco Divas
- July 15 – 16: Girl Power
- July 22 – 23: Back to the 90s
- July 29 – 30: Rock Til You Drop
- August 5 – 6: Dance Weekender
- August 12 – 13: Pop Mania Weekender
- August 19 – 20: Family Dance
- August 26 – 27: Ultimate Weekender
With both day and evening rates available, tickets for Summer Nights start from £20 and can be purchased at: www.draytonmanor.co.uk/theme-park/events/summer-nights. Front line workers can utilise their Blue Light Card to get exclusive evening tickets for just £16 on selected Summer Nights dates.
Watch as carnival dancers surprise members of the public in Birmingham city centre
Carnival lovers, get ready! Drayton Manor Resort has announced that its brand-new event, Fiestaval, will kick-off this May half-term. To celebrate, Drayton Manor took the Fiestaval to the city, delighting members of the unsuspecting public with a vibrant flash-mob in Birmingham city centre.
Between Saturday 27 May – Friday 2 June, visitors can expect to be immersed into a colourful world as an array of high-energy dancers, live entertainment and fun-filled activities take place across the resort.
From juggling stilt walkers to live performances from an energetic samba band, Fiestaval will provide even more value to guests at Drayton Manor during their May half term visit. Party your way through the day with live entertainment and to top off the vibrant carnival atmosphere, Rory the Lion will even host his own fiesta finale show.
Fun-seekers will also be able to enjoy more than 50 rides and attractions, including the brand-new ride in Thomas Land, Thomas and Percy's Submarine Splash, as well as Shockwave and Accelerator. Guests can also explore the Vikings area where they can climb aboard family-favourite thrill ride Loki or enjoy rides on Jormungandr and Sleipnir.
Victoria Lynn, Managing Director at Drayton Manor Resort, said: “Fiestaval is one of the most highly anticipated events in our 2023 line up and it’s easy to see why! We’re bringing the party to our guests with incredible Samba performers, aerial hoop artists and juggling stilt walkers! We’re bringing the best of carnival celebrations to the West Midlands for what’s set to be an incredibly exciting event."
“It was amazing to see the smiles on everyone’s faces as they danced along on Thursday morning when we took the Fiestaval performers to the Bullring in Birmingham and I can’t wait to see it take over the park too."
“This is just one of the events taking place this year that offer Drayton Manor guests even more value for money as part of a truly brilliant family day out. We anticipate Fiestaval to be incredibly popular, so encourage those interested to book sooner rather than later to avoid disappointment!”
Here’s how to get a discount on Drayton Manor Resort tickets
Popular Midlands attraction, Drayton Manor Resort, has announced a new way for members of the public to access discounted tickets.
The resort has partnered with Blue Light Card, which offers those working in the NHS, emergency services, social care sector and armed forces, discounts with companies across the UK.
The Blue Light Discount at Drayton Manor will allow those eligible to save up to seven per cent on day tickets this summer.
Victoria Lynn, Managing Director at Drayton Manor Resort, said: “We’re delighted to have partnered with Blue Light Card to offer our frontline workers and their families the opportunity to enjoy everything Drayton Manor Resort has to offer at a reduced rate.
“We really do appreciate everything our NHS, emergency services, social care workers and armed forces do for the country, which is why we were so keen to ensure we were part of the incredible Blue Light Card scheme.
“We look forward to welcoming frontline workers this summer season to enjoy everything the resort has to offer.”
Tom Dalby, CEO of Blue Light Card commented: “We recognise that every family needs a good day out every now and again, especially those who work incredibly hard 365 days of the year to keep us safe and sound.
“We’re thrilled to partner with Drayton Manor Resort to offer our members exclusive discounts to visit the attraction and enjoy some well-needed time to relax with their family and friends, perfect for the up-and-coming school holidays.”
To access the discount, those with a Blue Light Card simply need to visit the Blue Light Card website – where they will then receive a code providing them with seven per cent on their tickets at checkout.
The discount comes as Drayton Manor Resort launches a brand-new water ride, Thomas and Percy’s Submarine Splash, in Thomas Land, as well as a jam-packed line up of events taking place in 2023.
To find out more, visit www.draytonmanor.co.uk/tickets/blue-light-card
Drayton Manor Resort and Mattel Announce Brand-new Ride Set to Surface in Thomas Land This Weekend
A new ride making a splash at Midlands-based Drayton Manor Resort has been announced, set to surface on Saturday 29 April.
Thomas & Percy’s Submarine Splash is gearing up to open at Thomas Land to delight Thomas & Friends™ super-fans this weekend. The baby flume, featuring two mini drops, will arrive at the resort in time to celebrate Thomas Land’s 15th Anniversary, providing an exciting new addition at the much-loved attraction.
Visitors will board at Brendam Docks to help Thomas and Percy deliver the submarine to Vicarstown Museum, with help from Thomas’ good friend, Harold the Helicopter.
Thomas Land has seen more than 10 million visitors since opening in 2008 with rides such as Cranky’s Drop Tower where riders are dropped into action, as well as Thomas, Rosie and Percy Engine Tours which have travelled a total distance of 4,350 miles!
“We are thrilled to be able to expand upon the more than 25 rides and attractions at Thomas Land and offer new experiences for families to enjoy together” said Julie Freeland, Sr. Director at Mattel. “With the addition of Thomas & Percy’s Submarine Splash, Thomas fans will be able to partake in even more immersive adventures with their favorite Thomas & Friends characters whether by land, air or sea.”
“The arrival of Thomas & Percy’s Submarine Splash ride is an exciting milestone for Thomas Land as it celebrates its 15th Anniversary,” said Victoria Lynn, Managing Director at Drayton Manor Resort, “We’re certain that Thomas fans across the Midlands and beyond will want to enter the immersive world of Thomas Land themselves.
“Thomas & Percy’s Submarine Splash ride will provide the opportunity for families to experience a thrilling flume together, featuring two mini drops on an exciting journey through the Island of Sodor. Guests are sure to feel part of the Thomas & Friends team while working together to help transport the submarine to its final destination.”
This new ride is another example of Drayton Manor Resort’s high level of investment into the resort which has seen two new areas, Adventure Cove and Vikings, open in the last two years.
For anyone wishing to extend the fun overnight, guests can choo-choo-choose one of the resort’s exclusive Thomas & Friends™ rooms in the onsite four-star hotel. The rooms are decked out with all things Thomas, from character-themed beds through to rail track carpets, visitors can immerse themselves in the magical surroundings for the evening – before waking up and refuelling for another day of fun and adventure in the resort.
Celebrate in style at England’s only coronation street party in a theme park!
As the UK prepares to welcome its new monarch, popular Midlands-based attraction, Drayton Manor Resort, is gearing up to host England’s only coronation street party in a theme park.
Over the coronation bank holiday weekend, Drayton Manor Resort will host a street party fit for royalty. While the park will be decked out for the occasion, guests can wave their Union Jack flags and get into the celebratory spirit with live music from superstar tribute acts including Freddie – a tribute to Queen, Shape of Sheeran, and Elton’s rocket man show. There will also be classic street party food, and entertainment from much-loved mascot, Rory the Lion.
As well as joining in the celebrations, fun-seekers will be able to enjoy more than 50 rides and attractions, including Shockwave, Malestrom, and Accelerator, as well as explore the Vikings area where they can climb aboard family-favourite thrill ride Loki or enjoy rides on Jormungandr and Sleipnir.
As the sun goes down, partygoers can brave their favourite coasters after dark, before enjoying a dazzling fireworks finale soundtracked by the best of British pop.
Victoria Lynn, Managing Director at Drayton Manor Resort, said: “We’re incredibly excited to welcome guests to celebrate with us at Coronation Street Party. With fireworks, live music and rides open into the evening, it’s sure to be a fantastic event with a truly electric atmosphere.
“Our amazing team have been working incredibly hard preparing to throw a street party like no other and create an unforgettable experience for all of our visitors as we celebrate such an exciting historic occasion.”
“This is just one of many events we have planned for what is shaping up to be an extremely exciting 2023 season here at Drayton Manor Resort and we can’t wait to welcome families and fun-seekers to share this historical day with us.”
Tickets start from £20 for the celebrations and are now on sale
Drayton Manor Resort announces jam-packed line up of events with NEW additions for 2023
An exciting schedule of new events and experiences has been revealed by Drayton Manor Resort.
The resort has announced a total of seven events, including March of the Dinosaurs, 15 Years of Thomas Land, Coronation Street Party, Fiestaval, Summer Nights, and Vikings Festival, plus the recently announced Dinosaur Breakout, also new for 2023. The popular Halloween and Christmas experiences will also be making a bigger and better return, with more details to be revealed in the coming months.
With live shows, Raptor-wrangling workshops and pre-historic parades, the resort’s dinosaurs will be sticking around for another roar-some month with March of the Dinosaurs, taking place from Friday 10 – Friday 31 March. Guests will have the chance to meet and greet adorable dinosaur babies.
Thomas fans won’t be able to contain their excitement for April, as the resort will be dedicating the whole month to celebrate the 15th anniversary of Thomas Land. With over 25 Thomas and FriendsTM rides and attractions, visitors can expect a birthday party like no other on the Isle of Sodor. There will be street entertainment, party games, a Thomas-themed Easter egg hunt, and special live performances at the Knapford Station Balcony from Sir Topham Hatt himself, alongside his mischievous sidekicks, Rusty and Dusty – as well as top secret surprise, which will be announced in the coming weeks.
Celebrations are set to continue for the King’s Coronation, where Drayton Manor Resort will host a street party fit for royalty over the bank holiday weekend (Friday 5 – Monday 7 May). Guests can wave their Union Jack flags and get into the celebratory spirit with live music from top class tribute acts, classic street party food, and entertainment from much-loved mascot, Rory the Lion. Partygoers will be able to celebrate into the evening and brave their favourite thrill coasters after dark, before enjoying a dazzling fireworks finale.
Fiestaval will bring a vibrant carnival atmosphere during May half-term, running from Saturday 27 May – Friday 2 June. Visitors can expect a colourful array of high-energy dancers, live entertainment and fun-filled activities across the resort, topped off by Rory the Lion’s fiesta finale show.
From 1 July – 26 August, Summer Nights, a first-of-its-kind event for Drayton Manor Resort, will see a showstopping line up of live performances hosted by bands and DJs – with an exclusive surprise to be revealed soon.
Continuing the fun after the summer season ends, the Vikings Festival will see Norse history come to life, with entertainment, fire performers, beer tents and banquets galore. As well as offering thrill-seekers the chance to board their favourite rides after dark, including Loki, Thor, and Jorgmungandr.
Victoria Lynn, managing director at Drayton Manor Resort, said: “We’re thrilled to finally reveal our highly-anticipated events schedule for 2023 – and it’s safe to say our guests have plenty to look forward to this year!
“It’s been an incredibly exciting time for us at Drayton Manor Resort as we look to make this our biggest, best, and boldest year yet. We’ve carefully curated a jam-packed line up of new, elevated experiences with something in mind for everyone to enjoy throughout every season, alongside reimagining the annual events that we know our guests love.
“We’ll be revealing more about our plans for Halloween and Christmas in due course, and cannot wait to open our doors to families across the Midlands in the meantime!”
With so many events to choose from, the resort is giving families the chance make great savings with 10% off its new annual pass tickets – providing a full 12 months of access from just £89. This limited offer is valid until 26 February 2023, with tickets now available online at www.draytonmanor.co.uk/tickets/annual-pass