New £8.7m 'Aviktas' ride set to redefine the seaside skyline, promising unprecedented thrills.
==Blackpool Pleasure Beach is poised to unveil its latest, colossal addition, the £8.7 million 'Aviktas' ride, on Thursday, May 21. This massive gyro-swing attraction, standing 88 feet tall and capable of reaching a peak height of 138 feet, is set to become the tallest ride of its kind in the United Kingdom. The park, already a landmark in the popular seaside resort, is banking on 'Aviktas' to significantly alter its visual presence and attract a new wave of thrill-seekers as it kicks off its 130th-anniversary season.
The ride, officially announced last summer, will accommodate 40 riders at a time, propelling them outwards at angles of up to 120 degrees. Artwork surrounding the construction site has hinted at a theme involving a golden snake, suggesting a narrative component to the experience. The 'Aviktas' ride is strategically positioned alongside existing iconic coasters like The Big One and Infusion, further cementing the park's reputation as a hub for extreme amusement.
A Season of Milestones
This launch coincides with a significant year for the venerable amusement park. The introduction of 'Aviktas' marks the beginning of Blackpool Pleasure Beach's 130th year of operation. The park is also planning a series of new attractions and entertainment offerings throughout the season. This includes a revamped Hot Ice 'XC' Show at the Pleasure Beach Arena, promised to be a high-budget production.
The development of 'Aviktas' has been a long-term project, with construction efforts underway for an extended period. Reports indicate the arrival of the ride components at the park occurred as early as November 2025, with subsequent stages involving the complex task of assembly. This sustained investment and focus on a singular, record-breaking attraction underscores the park's strategy for continued relevance and drawing power.
Background Noise
While other theme parks in the UK, such as Drayton Manor, feature pendulum rides, they reportedly fall significantly short in height compared to 'Aviktas'. The Maelstrom ride at Drayton Manor, for instance, reaches approximately 74 feet, a substantial difference. Blackpool Pleasure Beach, already home to the country's first looping roller coaster, Revolution, and recognised as the best family-owned theme park in the country, appears to be leveraging its established legacy with this ambitious new venture. The park has also experimented with guest accessibility, including allowing dogs on site on specific days, indicating a broader approach to visitor engagement.