Experiencing the park through sound and touch…
An experience from Aaron Danvers-Jukes.
“I am a totally blind person who loves theatre and theme parks. Over the years I’ve become more appreciative of more theatrical elements, such as costumes and different materials. I have always enjoyed the various soundscapes at Blackgang Chine, and looked forward to finding out what had changed, what had stayed the same, and also what the Land of imagination live would bring.”
We got to Blackgang Chine just as the first fairy show was finishing as I could hear someone singing Come Alive from The Greatest Showman. With that, we headed into reception, past the dragon and as we went past, he activated, roaring! After the roar, my dad explained where the dragon was and guided me to him. I did very briefly end up touching him very gently and I promise it was gentle, as my dad explained that’s where it was. I think it might have been his head, or part of him poking over the top but he had reset himself before my dad showed me where he was.
I remember the previous dragon’s roar and can even do an impression of him; the audio has changed now though. I was almost tempted to try “saying hello” to the dragon and seeing if he might roar back if I timed it right, but we were in a hurry to get into the park!
Once we were out of reception, we started heading towards Restricted Area 5 as that’s where one of the children wanted to go. Is it just me, or is there even more new audio than when the area first opened?
Of course, it’s not possible to touch these dinosaurs due to the way the animatronics work, and that’s okay as they are in their permanent enclosures, and it wouldn’t really be fair if people kept touching them.
I next had the chance to touch the non-animatronic dinosaurs, and they felt kind of familiar.
We saw the dinosaur eggs as well, interestingly the dinosaur felt kind of rubbery, the big egg felt, well… big! I didn’t speculate on the material, sort of plastic-y or at least, it was a hard material, but for me, I just loved its shape!
I think Dodo valley was next. Loved the area. It’s interesting how when you walk over the wobbly bridge with netting, you can hear the DJ dodos singing their version of Staying Alive. That’s a really clever placement, I love it. The bridge wasn’t there when I went with my carer last time, you just walked round into the valley. I think that was around 2013 or 14. So now, there is a sort of tactile and funny elements to it especially when you stepped down into the valley, I love this new element to it.
I think the pirate ship was next. Water cannons! I loved it, and the new audio.Then, we caught the 1:30 pm Fairy Show. I sat on the floor for it as I was near the younger members of the family who were joining from the mainland, and I must say, the floor was an interesting place to sit because of all the vibration! It was also fun! I was singing along to Come Alive. Waltz of The Flowers is also a nice touch.
We then had the chance to meet the fairies. We met the Fairy Queen, Fairy Spring, and Fairy Summer. I got to touch some parts of the costumes, but as there was a bigger queue, I didn’t get to learn about all of them, but that’s OK.
Fairy Queen was a surprise because I didn’t know that she would have silky gloves and she also seemed familiar in the way that she acted towards me. It turns out, I had met her in a younger form of her fairy self. This was an absolute highlight as I hadn’t heard from this fairy in years!
Next up, it was Cowboy Town. My mum sat on the bench whilst my dad and other members of the family went to grab us lunch. Luckily, we were sat near the speakers that were playing scene setting music when Duelling Banjos came on, I tapped my feet! It was then I heard an American accent, turns out there was a character roaming about the park. My family told me we’d see him after lunch. So, burger it was. Nice food. No complaints.
Then, time to go to the panning for gold, I must admit, we didn’t pan. I just wanted to chat to the cowboy character. I enjoyed his accent and we did a bit of cowboy talking together as I’m also from a theatre group, so when he chatted to me with an accent, I chatted right back! My dad said “let’s go shoot up the town”, I replied “nope, nope don’t go makin’ me shootin’ up the town” the panning Cowboy threatened “don’t you go makin’ me tell the Sheriff”.
We discussed how great it was good being back at Blackgang Chine after many months. When I mentioned fairies, the Cowboy said, “oh you mean the floaty people? Oh nice!” He loved how they recognised me. I love that little touch, it’s really immersive how he didn’t acknowledge them as fairies, keeping the Cowboy Town and Fairy experience very separate.
Next up, Pet Shop and Rumpus Mansion! I figured out that the baby shark was on a different timer and cleverly stops all other buttons. Also, thank you so much for fixing Tasmanian Devil, that reunion was so epic for me because he’s always been my favourite and he hasn’t been talking for years!
Rumpus was fantastic! There seems to be some new audio. What I love, is even though there’s some different audio, it still sounds like Rumpus. For instance, the Donkey Mirror now speaks its rhyme, that adds to the Rumpus Story! I have to add my favourite, the finale scene, “ready to greet, with a cackling laugh, any who stray, within her path!”, a classic line.
We did Underwater Kingdom as well, love how the music in that area changes as you walk through.
Lastly, the rides, and the hall of mirrors and the landslide simulator. I haven’t done the water force slide in ages, so it was an interesting experience for me. Cliffhanger was also awesome. Hall of Mirrors, whilst visual, is still a fun experience as my dad was describing them all to me.
Before I go, I’d also like to mention… the Crooked House! I love how there is now a storyline, all audio related! This makes it so much worthwhile for a blind person now. It was a lovely surprise! Then, for the finale, it was the mouth of the whale. My Dad put me under one of the water squirters, so it got me right in the back! This made me laugh my head off!
Overall, an utterly, wonderful, magical and fantastic day at the Land of Imagination and Britain’s Oldest Theme Park. Thank you all so much!
Experiencing the park through sound and touch…
An experience from Aaron Danvers-Jukes. “I am a totally blind person who loves theatre and theme parks. Over the years I’ve become more appreciative of
BLACKGANG CHINE PROVES WISHES REALLY DO COME TRUE!
FREE visits for Grandmas this Mother’s Day!
BLACKGANG CHINE PROVES WISHES REALLY DO COME TRUE!
We just couldn’t wait to share this lovely story with you all…
Back in 2014, Tracy and her partner Adam made their first visit to the Isle of Wight and Blakgang Chine. Having loved that visit so much, they decided to return to the park on two separate occasions in 2019. It was on their most recent visit that Tracy sat on the wishing chair underneath the original whale skeleton and asked for something very special…
It wasn’t too long after this that the couple received the best news they could possibly ask for; that Tracy’s wish had been granted and she was pregnant!
Tracy gave birth to a beautiful baby girl named Winnie Rose on 19th February 2020.
We wish the whole family all the best and can’t wait to see all three of them back at Blackgang Chine soon!
‘The wishing chair inside the whale bones made our dreams come true. Winnie’s star sign is Pisces, a water sign so we’re sure it was down to the whale! We are so happy and can’t wait to bring Winnie to the park when she’s older.’ Says Tracy.
FREE visits for Grandmas this Mother’s Day!
FREE visits for Grandmas this Mother’s Day!
What better way to spend time with your loved ones on Mother’s Day than creating more magical memories in the Lands of Imagination?
Here at Blackgang Chine we watch generation after generation enjoy the park, we see 5ft pirates, fairies and cowboys leave our doors and return 15 years later with 3ft explorers of their own. In the land of Imagination, it doesn’t matter how old you are, how you normally dress, or where you work, all that matters is your ability to imagine the unimaginable.
For all the adventures that you’ve shared with us over the years we’re giving you something special this Mother’s Day…
We’re offering Grandmothers, Nans, Grans, Nannys, and Grandmas FREE entry to the park when visiting with three generations on Sunday 22nd March*.
Make the day extra special with our exclusive deal on cake and hot drinks! Buy two and get the third free – yum!
If you have an FVP you can take advantage of this offer too! If you and your family have a valid 2020 Frequent Visitor Pass, you’re welcome to bring your Grandmother along to enjoy the park for FREE!
Celebrate the wonderful ladies in your life this Mother’s Day and treat them to a special day out creating magical family memories that last a lifetime.
*T&C’s apply.
- One free entry for Grandmothers is valid with one paying adult, or one valid 2020 Blackgang Chine/Joint Park FVP
- At least three generations must be visiting within the group to qualify for the free entry (e.g. child, parent, grandmother).
- Free entry ticket will be issued upon admission to the park.
- Offer valid for 22nd March only.
- The following hot drinks are included in the hot drink & cake offer: tea, espresso, americano, white americano, cappuccino, hot chocolate (luxury hot chocolate not included).
Sonic Boom
On your marks, get set, Sonic BOOM!
He’s super-fast, he’s blue, he’s a movie star…and he’s hosting an epic NEW event at Blackgang Chine from 25th – 29th May! The world-famous hedgehog and his side kick, Tails, will be setting up their very own Games Arena on Pirate Cove from 11am – 3pm daily.
Sonic’s come a long way from his original 2D form, instead of dashing through the virtual world collecting golden rings this summer, he’ll be racing around the Land of Imagination!
Get competitive with your friends and family in the Sonic Games Arena, which will be the central hub of the event; you’ll find a whole host of exciting events taking place throughout the day. Expect those classic sports day activities such as Tug of War, Ring Toss, challenging obstacle courses and much more…
Sonic and Tails will be making VIP appearances at intervals throughout the course of the day so keep your eyes peeled for chances to meet them both and even opportunities to grab a photo!
If all that fun and excitement wasn’t enough, the DJ will keep the party vibe going into the evening on Wednesday 27th for an epic LIVE Video Games Tournament, taking place from 5-9 pm. More details coming soon…
Stay up to date with the latest news and announcements for Sonic Boom on our Facebook page.
Dawn of the Dinos
Blackgang Chine is overrun with escaped dinosaurs!
Take a walk on the wild side this Easter as the Land of Imagination roars into action for a brand-new event, Dawn of the Dinos. From 10th – 13th April (11am -3pm) you’ll be able to explore an adrenaline inducing live-action experience through The Lost Temple. Join the immersive live-action experience for Jurassic Hunt to adventure within the ancient walls, dive through boobie-traps and encounter incredible creatures. Keep your eyes peeled for footprints, eggs and other exiting clues to a roaring surprise!
Go on an Explorer Eggs-pedition as you hunt through Restricted Area 5. Search high and low amongst our dinosaur enclosures for dino eggs to be in with a chance of winning. Watch out though…the T-Rex is hiding down there somewhere!
Whilst the adrenaline is still pumping, grab the wheel of your very own Dino Safari vehicle and rumble through the dirt track enclosure– be on the lookout for any escaped dinosaurs though!
Families can also enjoy dino-themed games and activities in the excavation marquee, kids can become palaeontologists and join the ancient archaeological dig to uncover fossils and prizes in Explorer Digs.
Stay up to date with the latest news and announcements for Dawn of the Dinos on our Facebook page.
Tickets available now!
“We’re really excited for this event, especially as this will see the pop-up return of the nostalgic Triassic Club trio! It’s been a long wait for many, but Darwin, Oscar and Wallace are ready to eat- sorry, meet you all in their latest venture, Triassic Mining Club.”
– Dominic Wray, Park Manger.
Blackgang Chine’s family daytime Halloween event: Frights & Sprites
Blackgang Chine hosts a brand-new family Halloween event; Frights & Sprites
What goes BUMP in the night and will give you a horrible FRIGHT?
Frights & Sprites is Blackgang Chine’s newest Halloween family attraction. Rumpus Mansion’s ghostly characters will be causing mischief with their interactive performance, Rumpus Mansion LIVE, this October.
In this production, the ghouls are getting ready for Lady Edwina’s Spooktacular of the year. Take a tour around the mansion to meet the servants readying the halls for their many guests. Find Mrs Berry making a mess in the kitchen and the scatterbrained Gracey, dusting the vestibules. Mind that you don’t bother Franklin for too long or you’ll be gravely sorry.
PLUS, don’t forget to keep your eyes peeled for the pesky gremlins because they’re up to no good! Spot them all and solve the anagram to enter the daily prize draw.
After a walk through the mansion, Lady Edwina will beckon you to the Rumpus lawn, this is where the real party starts…
Enjoy an array of spooky activities including, Hook a Skull, Hoopla, Tin Can Alley, Wiggle cars, Fancy Dress-up and the Halloween Crafting Zone!
Transform into a wolf, a witch or a bloodsucking vampire with our face painting stand and show of your best moves in with the SPOOKY DISCO. There will be a competition for the best dressed with fantastic PRIZES to give away!
Don’t miss out this October, book your tickets today!
Blackgang Chine will be open 10am-5pm every day October 19th-27th 2019.
Frights & Sprites will be located in the Rumpus Mansion and on the Rumpus Lawn from 12 pm – 4 pm.
Big Night Out is finally Here!
The Isle of Wight’s Biggest Night Out lights up Blackgang Chine from 20th July
Blackgang Chine brings you summery vibes from 20th July all the way until 31st August, every Monday, Wednesday and now Friday’s too. We have an epic programme that will get everyone stuck into all the action-packed activities we have to offer. Expect visits from our resident characters including Cowboys, Pirates, Dodos and of course, our Fairies!
With workshops, entertainers, shows and plenty of summery shenanigans there will be heaps for all the family to do! And as the sun sets over Park, Pirate Cove turns into one giant dance floor at the Jolly Rogers Jam with DJ OMAR playing till’ the end of the night!
If you missed out on any of the Point Blank performances at our previous event Wild West Week, then don’t worry because they are BACK this summer with even more epic performances that will keep you on the edge of your seat! From knife-throwing to whip-cracking, danger is second nature to these two outstanding performers. For those who may not necessarily be into danger, we have a more child-friendly show lined up for you in the afternoon where Point Blank create a scene of giant bubbles!
End the evening with a dinner at the Chine Restaurant or a bite to eat at La Cantina, before watching the Finale Firework Explosion, which is even bigger and better than ever before, named one of the best firework displays on the South Coast!
Dreams really do come true… at Robin Hill
December 2019 will see Robin Hill launch its brand new and spectacular Christmas evening event – POLAR. Running over four weekends in December, the event will feature a stunning new Amphitheatre production that will delight audiences of all ages, plus a host of other festive activities as part of the award-winning event series at Robin Hill.
Step outside this festive season and experience the thrill of a Christmas dream come true… POLAR promises an enchanting Christmas journey with a spectacular show finale like no other!
Take the Winter Woodland Walk through sparkling ancient forests, enjoy the festive atmosphere of the POLAR Village while you warm up with traditional hot food and drinks, hop on board the Big Red Express, where Father Christmas himself takes the wheel, and tip-toe into the POLAR Hollow where you can meet Pippa, the life-sized cuddly polar bear!
Don’t miss Robin Hill’s rides given a winter makeover, with the Cows Express Junior Ride perfect for little ones, and the 4D Motion Cinema exclusively showing ‘Santa’s Sleigh Ride’ during POLAR!
The event finale is the dazzling Amphitheatre show, POLAR, that follows the magical tale of one boy’s Christmas dream come true, in a sensational dance and acrobatic theatre style production!
This newest addition to Robin Hill’s annual events calendar promises to be the most magical yet, delighting families of all ages as well as couples looking for a unique and romantic way to spend a winter’s evening. Glittering displays and enticing festive flavours will transport visitors through a dreamlike evening brimming with all the excitement and anticipation of Christmas Eve, with the finale POLAR show set to be the most spectacular production Robin Hill’s Amphitheatre has ever seen!
The POLAR Village will be the epicenter of the event, where customers can indulge in traditional festive treats including mulled wine, luxury hot chocolates, roasted marshmallows and delicious homemade food whilst soaking up live music and the beautiful woodland lighting displays.
Speaking about the new event, Alec Dabell, Managing Director and Owner said “We are delighted to bring this brand new and totally unique experience to the Isle of Wight. We think POLAR could be “the” event for families and loved ones this Christmas”.
Tickets for this limited capacity event go on sale at 10am Thursday 27th June, with Frequent Visitor Pass holders eligible for an exclusive discounted rate of just £17.50 for the first four days only of POLAR.
Time for a rootin’ tootin’ time!
Yeeeehaaww! It’s time to kick things off for Wild West Week!
Running from today (25th May), right through to 2nd June, our very own Cowboy Town will be bustling with sheriffs, outlaws and cowboys!
This is your chance to immerse yourself in the wild west world and take over Buffalo Creek Cowboy Town! Prepare for a rootin’ tootin’ good time with entertainment for all ages including the return of the rodeo with the Bucking Bronco – can you beat the best time on the scoreboard?
The popular Wild West Dance Workshops will take place every day and there’ll be plenty of opportunity to meet the cowboys themselves as well as our popular Wild West Dodos!
Bring your young cowboys and cowgirls to don their hats, test their shooting and take centre stage in their own Wild West story!
DASTARDLY DEEDS AT BUFFALO CREEK
New for 2019, the live-action show, Dastardly Deeds at Buffalo Creek, will surprise audiences with fast-paced stunts, pyrotechnics and plenty of tongue in cheek humour that both the adults & kids can enjoy!
Sheriff Theodore Wilberforce Indiana Tucker (T.W.I.T) has been in Buffalo Creek Cowboy Town for a year now and although he’s well-liked by the town’s folk for defeating Rattlesnake Jake, their patience is wearing thin now that the bank has been robbed and the safe stolen! Unbeknown to the Sheriff, the culprit was the Mayor of the town, Mayor Maverick Maddog. He’s hired Wild Phil Hiccup to help and is hell bent on finding the original deeds for the town so he can take full ownership; blow up the creek; flood the town and build a dam.
Mayor Maddog’s dastardly plan could come undone when young Bobby Buckskin overhears him plotting in the saloon!
Will Bobby tell the Sheriff? Will the Sheriff believe her? Will he be able to stop Mayor Maddog from stealing the deeds?
SUNDOWN
27th, 29th & 31st May, ’till 9pm
For the first time, you can join the action at Wild West Week’s Sundown and experience the event into the evening!
Dance along to the Mariachi Fiesta with Vote Pedro, grab a bite to eat at La Cantina and end the evening with the epic Point Blank Stunt Show – expect plenty of knife throwing, whip cracking and of course, danger!
Wednesday 29th May Britain’s Got Talent star Derek Sandy will be performing live from 6pm!
Derek welcomes you to Blackgang Chine!
Yeah Man! We are delighted to announce Britain’s Got Talent star & Isle of Wight Ambassador, Derek Sandy will be making a guest appearance at Sundown as part of Wild West Week this May half term!
Park Manager Dominic Wray says “It’s great to have Derek joining our brand new Sundown evening event and getting the party started with our cowboys and cowgirls on Wednesday night, I’m excited to see Derek getting the crowd going with his hit song ‘Welcome to the Isle of Wight’.
He’ll be performing an exclusive set on Wednesday 29th May, taking to the Cowboy Town stage from 6pm! So put on your rastacaps and get ready for an evening of entertainment, Yeah Man!
Families joining us for Wild West Week can expect plenty of knife throwing and stunt action from the live Point Blank shows and Mariachi Mexican Madness from Vote Pedro!
Grab your Wild West Week tickets online now to make sure you don’t miss out! https://shop.blackgangchine.com/blackgang-chine-tickets/
