The oldest theme park in the UK, Blackgang Chine, celebrates it 175th anniversary this year. Built into the Isle of Wight cliffs, the monumental theme park is still running and being run by a fifth generation descendent of the original founder. The theme park has survived multiple recessions, two world wars and has hosted many iconic guests like Queen Victoria and a rumoured young Walt Disney.
“Imagination is still as relevant today as it has always been. Blackgang Chine is a facilitator of people’s creativity, and a place that allows you to let your imagination run wild. We recognise that much of our appeal is that we have preserved our history whilst changing with the times. Our challenge is to maintain the tradition of the park, to conserve what people love about it but to keep making improvements and looking to the future,” said Alexander Dabell, Blackgang Chine’s Chief Executive. Dabell’s entrepreneurial great, great grandfather, with whom he shares his name, established the park.
Nature has played a key role in the evolution of Blackgang Chine. Over the last two centuries the family has had to reimagine the park, moving attractions inland as erosion and landslides eat at the island’s coast. The Dabell family has been responsible for leading the creative direction of the park throughout its history resulting in an appealing blend of new attractions and heritage exhibitions.
The family has resisted commercial franchise and overt theme park thrills and has instead focused on experiences that stir imaginations and create goose bump moments for the young at heart.
Celebrating its rich history, Blackgang Chine is holding birthday bashes every Monday and Wednesday until 29 August (10am to late). Let loose and enjoy thrilling live-action cowboy shows, gunfire and explosives, create your own potions, enjoy dragon tales, learn to juggle at circus workshops, dance to the best summer tunes at Pirate Cove with DJ Omar and meet Blackgang’s resident fairies. Each bash culminates in a spectacular show of fireworks that lights up the night sky to music, exploding in an array of colour and shimmering along the coastline.
For more information check out blackgangchine.com.
> Iimaan Awed
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