Blackpool Prepares for ‘Aviktas’

Blackpool Pleasure Beach is making the final preparations for their new thrill-seeking ride ‘Avitkas’, which is set to open in May this year. Yet, local businesses struggle to survive.

It won’t be long until the Pleasure Beach will welcome their new Gyro-swing ride, ‘Aviktas’, which is set to open on the 21st of May 2026. It joins some of the most iconic and recognisable rollercoasters in Britain.

(Aviktas’ first test swing: Image from Blackpool Pleasure Beach)

This new ride is perfect for adrenaline-junkies, rotating 120), and reaching a maximum height of 138 feet tall. This would make ‘Aviktas’ the tallest ride of its kind, almost doubling Drayton Manor’s ‘Maelstrom’, which stands at 74ft.

Planning began following the demolition of the Bowl-A-Drome, followed by the arrival of the skeletal structure for ‘Aviktas’ in March 2024. Since then, the ride has had its first full height- swing test, foreshadowing what the ride will look like once it is open.

Amanda Thomspon, the CEO of Blackpool Pleasure Beach said, “It’s one thing seeing the structure dominate the skyline during the construction process, but it’s another seeing it truly perform.”

The Pleasure Beach first opened in 1896, transforming the Northwest coastline with some of the park’s iconic rides, such as the Big Dipper. Since then, the theme park has continually strived to break records and out-do themselves. The Big One held its prestigious title of the tallest rollercoaster in the UK, up until May 2024.

Annually, the Pleasure Beach brings in approximately £37 million, with an estimated 5 million visitors a year. However, the town remains one of the most deprived areas in the country. The notable places in Blackpool, such as the Tower, Promenade, Pleasure Beach and football club, bring in millions of pounds to the town through tourism. Yet, further back from the front, the disparity in funding is evidently seen.

Since the cost-of-living crisis, local businesses have taken a large hit to profit. With fewer people taking weekend holidays to the sea-side town, smaller businesses have struggled with entrepreneurial opportunities.

[embed]Increasing concerns over the cost of living crisis, despite Blackpool’s new ride.

Mark Ineson, from RealDonkeys, explained the impact of the cost-of-living crisis on his business. “People who used to come two or three times a year only come once a year. It’s just all about watching the pennies, as everything’s got all expensive.”

(Donkey on the Beach: Image from swishholidayapartments.co.uk)

The council’s aim to modernise the seafront has restricted access for the famous donkey rides, that date back to the Victorian era. Furthermore, Mark emphasised that despite the huge tourism to the area, local businesses don’t see much of an impact directly because of this. Resultingly, the donkeys are now having to branch out to other types of events.

Reflecting on the changes Blackpool has seen recently, Mark stated that “Blackpool as a town has evolved, there’s a lot more factors coming to the seaside.”

It questions what Blackpool Council should do to help local businesses thrive in comparison to their multi-million-pound neighbours. Through recent reforms and upcoming planning projects, such as the stones on the beach, it is the small businesses that are taking the largest hit.