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Easter Celebrations

6th March 2018 / No Comments

Visitors to Blackgang Chine, the oldest theme park in the country, are in for a real treat this season as the park celebrates its 175^th anniversary with lots of exciting events and activities planned throughout the year, including a brand new adventure as the story of Blackgang Chine & the Curious Timeboat unfolds.

The celebrations start on Saturday 17 March when Blackgang Chine opens for the season and the first 175 visitors through the door will each receive a special celebration cup cake, each one numbered from 1 – 175!

Easter holidays are packed full of great entertainment, starting on Good Friday when our larger than life Dodos, Lady Penelope & Rafus, celebrate the opening of our NEW interpretation of ‘Lost Valley of the Dodos’ complete with NEW dodo characters for you to discover, including DJ dodos mixing your favourite party tunes. There are also two NEW bouncy net bridges to get you across the Dodo Valley ravine; guaranteed to put a spring in your step!

Plus join in the fun with our Easter Eggsplorers every Tuesday and Wednesday (3^rd, 4^th, 10^th and 11^th April). Become an explorer and see the park through new eyes! Join the quest around Blackgang to discover untold stories with Blackgang characters to help you on your way. Then dust off your magnifying glasses and make archaeological discoveries as you search the sand and uncover hidden critters in our fun Explorer Digs activity.

And if that’s not enough, take part in our new adventure, Blackgang & the Curious Timeboat. Join our characters, the mischievous pirate of the past and eccentric, scatty inventor as they embark on a journey of discovery, soaring through time on a mission to collect magical fuel for their enchanted time travelling vessel. This mis-matched duo and the curious timeboat are stuck in time at Blackgang and need your help to find the magic crystal which will power their timeboat and send them onto their next destination …..

You can follow the journey of our time travellers using our new online tracker at: http://tracker.blackgangchine.com/

Expect celebrations throughout the year to commemorate Blackgang’s 175^th birthday: join our dinosaurs at a pre-historic dinner party during May Bank Holiday weekend, take part in cowboy hoedowns and shenanigans during May half term, and don’t miss our BIG 175^th birthday parties every Monday and Wednesday evening throughout the summer holidays – PLUS discover what happens next when the final crystal that powers the curious timeboat is found at ‘Blackgang By Night’ in October!

Blackgang Chine opens on Saturday 17^th March, 10am – 5pm, and all tickets include ‘unlimited FREE returns for 7 days! Save money by purchasing 2018 tickets at 2017 prices online. This event is included in Blackgang Chine and Joint Park Frequent Visitor Passes too.

EKLECTICA FRIDAY NIGHT HEADLINERS ANNOUNCED

26th January 2018 / No Comments

FRIDAY NIGHT HEADLINERS ANNOUNCED

Tinchy Stryder and Reggie Yates have now been announced as the Friday night line-up for Eklectica, the boutique music festival @ Robin Hill Country Park taking place on 7^th, 8^th and 9^th September. They join the line-up of Scouting for Girls and The Hoosiers who will be performing on the Saturday night and The Fratellis and Toploader performing on the Sunday night.

Eklectica is also pleased to invite back to Robin Hill, the Disco Shed who will be performing throughout the weekend, including Friday night. More weekend acts still to-be announced.

Tickets for Friday night’s line-up are limited and only available with Weekend Camping tickets (all include Friday night) and the Early Bird Weekend Non-Camping tickets which provide Friday night free, but these are selling out fast!

Weekend Camping tickets are just £75 per adult and £55 for a young person (10-17 years) – and provide a weekend of escapism! Relax in the safe, friendly environment of our two on-site campsites, situated in the most beautiful, scenic locations and with the creature comforts you’d expect from a well-run campsite. Enjoy live music until 1am in the stunning Woodland Ponds …. and for the early risers, a programme of activities to wake up to. What more could you ask for?

One of the most popular British rappers of his generation, Tinchy Stryder has a highly successful career in the entertainment industry, releasing four studio albums and achieving two number one singles to date. Originally a member of grime collective, Ruff Sqwad before working with Roll Deep, alongside the likes of Dizzee Rascal and Wiley, Tinchy launched his solo career in 2006, with the release of his first studio album Star in the Hood which was an instant hit. He followed this up with his second album, Catch 22, which made it to number two in the UK album charts and gained BPI Gold certification as his career went from strength to strength.

In 2009, his track Number 1, featuring N-Dubz, stormed the UK charts going straight in at number one, closely followed by his single, Never Leave You. His music career has seen him go on to become a popular TV personality appearing on the likes of I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! and Celebrity Juice. Tinchy continues to release new music and perform at some of the UK’s biggest events and festivals, as well as this he has founded his own independent label Cloud 9 and has several other high-profile business ventures.

Reggie Yates has developed into one of the most versatile broadcasters currently in the UK. He has an impressive body of documentary work, from COMIC RELIEF IN KIBERIA, to AUTISTIC SUPERSTARS and TOURETTES: LET ME ENTERTAIN YOU for BBC Three. His second series of THE INSIDER was split in to three standalone documentaries which premiered on BBC 3 and BBC One – and most recently announced is REGGIE YATES: SEARCHING FOR GRENFELL’S HIDDEN VICTIMS(w/t) for BBC Two, the special documentary will go behind the headlines to explore the lives of some of Grenfell Tower’s residents who have been lost, and whose personal stories and experiences remain little known.

Reggie’s passion for music soon came to fore early in his career cementing his place as a core part of the BBC’s new Black music station, 1Xtra aged just 18. Alongside Dev, he hosted a show for 2 years. It wasn’t long before Reggie was asked to guest on Radio 1 and as if to prove his credentials as a huge music fan, his first specialist show saw some of the very first plays on Radio 1 being Adele and Mr. Hudson. Reunited with Fearne Cotton, the duo took to the air on Weekend Breakfast before heading to the afternoon slot with both the Request Show and the all-important Chart Show. Alongside Fearne Cotton, Reggie hosted Glastonbury, Reading, T in the Park and the Big Weekend for BBC3 in 2010 and 2011 and moved into primetime entertainment presenting The Voice UK alongside Holly Willoughby in 2012/13. Reggie plays a multi genre DJ set including Hip-Hop, House and Pop.

In 2005, Count Skylarkin had a house party. The decks went in the shed, the speakers on the roof and Peepshow Paddy said let’s take it on the road. The rest, as they say, is a mystery … since then, the Disco Shed has become a must-have accessory for any self-respecting festival, from the bigger (Reading, Lattitude) to the middler (Big Chill, Cornbury) to the tiddler (Truck, Festinho). Reknowned for creating a uniquely shedonistic atmosphere, with its kitsch allotment of garden games, vibes and visuals, plus party pummelling sound system playing beats as eclectic as the contents of your average shed. Disco Shed DJs seamlessly spin everything from funk to punk, hip hop to house, rock & roll to reggae, and drum & bass to dubstep, then drink the bar dry and moan about getting splinters!

Tickets cost: Weekend Non-Camping tickets (Saturday & Sunday) are £60 per adult and £50 per young person (10-17 years). A very limited number of early bird Weekend Non-Camping tickets including Friday night are available. Day tickets for Saturday or Sunday are £30 per adult and £25 per young person (10-17 years). Children under 9 are FREE. For details and to purchase tickets visit: www.eklectica.live

Being just 2 hours from London with easy access by road, rail and sea, the Isle of Wight and Eklectica, is a great place to escape to. For cross Solent travel visit : www.redfunnel.co.uk / www.wightlink.co.uk www.hovertravel.co.uk

EKLECTICA 2018 HEADLINERS ANNOUNCED!

14th December 2017 / No Comments

2018 HEADLINERS ANNOUNCED!

The Fratellis, Scouting for Girls, The Hoosiers and Toploader and are among the first bands to be announced as headliners for Eklectica 2018, the boutique music festival @ Robin Hill Country Park taking place on 7^th, 8^th and 9^th September 2018. Scouting for Girls will headline Saturday night supported by The Hoosiers and The Fratellis will headline Sunday supported by Toploader. Friday night’s headliners are yet to be announced.

First release tickets are on sale now! These will include a limited number of Weekend Camping tickets including Friday night at £75 per adult and £55 for a young person (10-17 years).

The first 500 Weekend non-camping tickets sold (£60 per adult and £50 for a young person) will also include exclusive access to Friday night. Day tickets (Saturday or Sunday) are £30 per adult and £25 per young person. Under 9’s are FREE! For details and to purchase tickets visit : www.eklectica.live

James Crofts, Robin Hill Park Manager, said, “We’re really excited about the line-up for Eklectica 2018. Building on our first year’s event, we’ve taken onboard feedback and we’re going bigger with a three day weekend, camping onsite, acclaimed talent, free kids tickets and great early bird offers. More acts will be announced in the New Year.”

Scouting for Girls – throughout their immensely successful career they’ve sold over 1.5 million albums, two million singles, had four Brit Award nominations, an Ivor Novello nomination, had four top ten singles, sold-out Wembley Arena and sold-out The Royal Albert Hall and had a series of hit singles all of which were inescapable radio smashes. Ten years later, Scouting For Girls prove they are unstoppable.

Currently on their 10^th Anniversary tour, Scouting for Girls will be playing their debut platinum album which has sold over 700,000 copies! Their self-titled debut album sat at No. 1 in the UK charts for two weeks and produced a number of hit singles including ‘Elvis Ain’t Dead’ and ‘She’s So Lovely’.

Having sold over a million records and achieved smash hit singles ‘Goodbye Mr. A’, ‘Worried About Ray’, ‘Choices’ and top 10 albums ‘The Trick of Life’ and ‘The Illusion Of Safety’, The Hoosiers will hit the main stage on Saturday night.

As part of their NEW UK and North American tour, The Fratellis will be headlining with a new album ‘In Your Own Sweet Time’ released on 9^th March 2018. The Fratellis had phenomenal success with their debut album ‘Costello Music’, and then went on to win the Best British Breakthrough Act at the Brit Awards in 2007. ‘In Your Own Sweet Time’ will be the band’s fifth studio album and features the brilliant new single ‘Stand Up Tragedy’.

With over two million album sales to their name and a string of top 20 hits both at home and abroad Toploader are set to bring their debut album to the Main stage at Eklectica, including the iconic global hit ‘Dancing in the Moonlight’.

For tickets and more information click here!

We’re nominated!!!

28th November 2017 / No Comments

We are pleased to announce that we have been nominated for a Red Funnel My Isle of Wight award! These are the only visitor-voted awards on the Island, so we’re very proud to have been nominated once again this year.

This is your chance to shout about how much of a great time you’ve had with us this year… whether your highlight was our Underwater Kingdom reveal, exploring the park by night during our illuminations or just meeting your favourite Blackgang Characters, there’s definitely not been a dull moment!

Voting closes on December 31^st, and you can vote here. Why not spread the Blackgang love, and share this exciting news with your friends and family who you made happy memories in the park with this summer. Or if you haven’t already, you can leave us a trip advisor review here to tell us what your highlights of 2017 were!

NEW Christmas Pop-Up shop!

21st November 2017 / No Comments

Christmas is only 5 weeks away, and with so many requests to purchase gifts and Frequent Visitor Passes, Blackgang Chine and Robin Hill have opened a pop-up Christmas Shop in Newport High Street!

Find us at 102 High Street (opposite WH Smiths) open daily from Friday 24^th November (except Christmas Day and Boxing Day) until December 30^th, from 9.00am — 5.00pm, Monday to Saturday, and 10.00am — 4.00pm on Sundays.

Bring your little ones to meet their favourite characters every Saturday and Sunday from 2nd December, between 11.00am and 4.00pm, including Blackgang’s Fairy Queen, Squawk Birds, Dodo’s, Dinos and more! They will also be celebrating our launch on Friday 24th November, and you can them at The Wight Festival of Christmas on Saturday 25th and Sunday 26th November! Whether you’re looking for a photo opportunity, or just something to distract the kids whilst you’re Christmas shopping, we’re the one-stop shop this festive period!

As well as selling the parks’ most popular gifts, toys and stocking fillers, you can also buy or renew your Frequent Visitor Pass!

These cost just £34 per person for either Blackgang Chine or Robin Hill, and £63 per person for a joint park pass. Children under four are free.

Offering a whole season of fun and entertainment for all the family, the Passes provide excellent value for money and make the perfect Christmas gift. All Robin Hill or Joint Park Passes will be valid for Robin Hill’s electric woods’ evening event, Spirit of the Orient, which celebrates the Chinese New Year, from February 10th – 25th.

You can also enter a competition to win three joint park Frequent Visitor Passes every time you make a purchase. Hot drinks and mince pies are on sale too, which you can enjoy while you browse the wide selection of Christmas gifts. Plus, look out for our 12 days of Christmas promotion on selected gifts!

Blackgang Chine celebrates its 175th anniversary in 2018 so make this the year of exciting adventures and magical memories with the whole family that will last a lifetime.

VISITOR ANNOUNCEMENT – BLACKGANG ILLUMINATIONS CANCELLED 21/10/17

20th October 2017 / No Comments

Due to the extreme adverse weather conditions forecast for tomorrow (Saturday 21^st October), we have taken the decision to cancel our evening illuminations and programme of entertainment.

Blackgang Chine will be OPEN as normal 10am – 5pm, with last admissions to the park at 4pm for all visitors. However there will be no additional entertainment in the park at all during the day.

The safety and wellbeing of our customers must remain our priority, but we do apologise for any inconvenience or disappointment caused. Any visitors with a ticket expiring tomorrow will therefore automatically have their ticket extended until Sunday 22nd October.

Unfortunately, our sister park Robin Hill has also had to cancel their evening entertainment tomorrow due to the forecast.

We thank you for your understanding on this issue, and hope you’ll join us for our illuminations later in the week.

The Team at Blackgang Chine

Extra Fun at Blackgang and Robin Hill this half-term!

13th October 2017 / No Comments

This October half term, Blackgang Chine and Robin Hill are open from 10am until late, with stunning lighting, and two fantastic programmes of exciting and unique entertainment.

Join us from 21st – 29th October from 10am until 9pm for a whole day and nights worth of fun at Blackgang’s illuminations. Experience the magic as all your favourite Blackgang characters host an evening of fun, with extra entertainment added for half term.

Back by popular demand, Ecuador the Bubble Wizard returns to the park to perform his enchanting bubble show and fill Cowboy Town with illuminated Bubbles big enough to put someone inside! He is guaranteed to put a smile on everyone’s face! Plus, don’t miss the chance to see the story of Rumpus Mansion, learn a magical dance with the fairies and meet our smoke-breathing dragon Cedric! And to bring your evening to a spectacular close, enjoy a brand new, unique Fire Show, which has entertained celebrities at film premiers and on The X-Factor!

Our sister park Robin Hill also has a spectacular programme of entertainment, inspired by the Hindu festival of Diwali, and immerse yourself in Indian culture and celebrations.

Celebrate 70 years of India’s independence at Robin Hill’s Festival of Light. the south coast’s best Bollywood DJ will be playing all the Bollywood hits, so make sure you dust off your dancing shoes and join the party! Little ones will love making their own lanterns and joining Rama and Sita’s Homecoming Parade around the woodlands too. The whole family will be captivated by the spellbinding aerial silk display, which has wowed crowds at Glastonbury and around the world!

With ‘free unlimited 7-day returns’ and all the shows included in every ticket, visitors are guaranteed a great value, full week of fun. And if you can’t decide which park to visit, then why not save money with a joint park ticket.

To buy joint park tickets, just click here!

5 reasons to love Blackgang Illuminations!

11th October 2017 / No Comments

It’s not just all about lights this October at Blackgang Chine, there’s so much more on offer, and we know the whole family will absolutely love our illuminations. Here’s just 5 reasons why….

Winter Warmers…. Who doesn’t love that feeling of home comforts? Come and try some delicious beef stew or a cup of mulled cider to keep you warm as you explore the park after dark!

A touch of sparkle… nothing says magical quite like the twinkle of glitter, and we have plenty of it! Come and join in our crafting corner with your little ones, make something special (and sparkly!) to take home. And the best part? You don’t have to clear up the mess at the end!

Larger than life characters… Bring your little ones to meet characters they can only dream of! Whether they imagine dancing with fairies, seeing a dragon breathe smoke from his nose, make potions and cast spells with witches and wizards, this is the perfect opportunity to create memories they will never forget!

Stories come to life…. Ever wondered how Rumpus Mansion became Rumpus rather than a fine Mansion? Now is your chance to see the story of the old house, told by the building itself… intrigued? You’ll have to come and see for yourself!

Making memories… Generations of children and adults have been coming to see Blackgang illuminated after dark, holding a special place in their hearts. With our illuminations evolving and becoming more magical than ever, and as Blackgang celebrates 175 years of family fun next year, it’s the perfect time to bring the whole family to relive happy childhood memories and make magical new ones!

With 5 reasons as good as these, it’s time to plan your next visit!

Wednesday BIG NIGHT OUT FIREWORK EXTRAVAGANZA (30th August 2017) to move to Thursday (31st August 2017)

29th August 2017 / No Comments

VISITOR ANNOUNCEMENT

Wednesday BIG NIGHT OUT FIREWORK EXTRAVAGANZA (30^th August 2017) to move to Thursday (31^st August 2017)

Owing to the poor weather forecast for tomorrow, Blackgang Chine is moving its final famous BIG NIGHT OUT Firework Extravaganza of the season from Wednesday 30^th August to Thursday 31^th August 2017, to ensure our visitors have the best possible chance to enjoy this popular event.

All day and evening entertainment scheduled for Wednesday 30^th August is cancelled and will now take place on Thursday 31^st August 2017. There will be small changes to the programme. The fun starts at lunchtime with a ‘live’ Cowboy Showdown, wild west dancing, Yee-haw! Plus, there’s a NEW Shadow and Sheila show from Blackgang’s resident T-Rexs! The evening fun continues with lots of additional entertainment including a NEW Fire Show, a BBQ… and to bring your day to a spectacular end… an awe inspiring musical firework display set off from the cliff edge! For the full programme listing, visit: https://blackgangchine.com/events/wedbignightout

Please note: the Fire show will be replaced with a NEW Magical Illusion Show.

Admission Tickets: Customers who purchased a Blackgang Chine or Joint Park ticket last Wednesday 23^rd August 2017 (who have a valid 7 day return), will now be able to redeem their 7 day return ticket until Thursday 31^st August 2017. For all enquires regrading this extension, please contact us via www.facebook.com/blackgangchine.

Why not take advantage of Robin Hill’s Carnival Night this evening (Tuesday 29^th August 2017) from 6pm – 10pm (www.robin-hill.com), and then join us on Thursday for Blackgang’s BIG NIGHT OUT which promises an exciting day and evening of amazing entertainment!

Your summer holiday starts here…

13th July 2017 / No Comments

Blackgang Chine and Robin Hill, the Island’s leading tourist attractions, are open late during the school summer holidays with additional fun and entertainment for the enjoyment of visitors all day and into the night too! Plus, with ‘unlimited 7 day unlimited returns’ and all the additional summer evening entertainment included within every ticket, visitors are guaranteed a great value, full week of fun. And if you can’t decide which park to visit, then why not save money with a joint park ticket

GREAT SUMMER ENTERTAINMENT IN THE LAND OF IMAGINATION ….

Visitors to Blackgang Chine are in for a real treat with dinosaur fun, cowboy shenanigans and late night entertainment planned for the enjoyment of all the family this summer. As well as the park’s eclectic mix of attractions, magical theme worlds and rides, our dodos – Lady Penelope & Raphus – and mischievous baby Trex dinosaurs – Shadow & Sheila – will be roaming the park on selected days, causing all sorts of mayhem!

New for 2017, is a brand new magical theme world, Underwater Kingdom, where all is make believe!

Hold your breath …. and dive into the land of imagination where you’ll discover a magical underwater cave, vibrant luminescent coral reef, an abandoned sunken shipwreck and colourful larger than life animatronic sea creatures as you venture into the deep …. where the biggest mammal of them all will be found floating above you!

Magical Monday Nights – every Monday from 24^th July – 28^th August. (Park open from 10am – 8.30pm)

Join all your favourite Blackgang characters for an enchanting of entertainment. Discover our brand NEW Dinosaur Encounters show hosted by our very own Victorian explorers! Enjoy our magical Fairy Showtime performance with our Fairy Queen and her Fairy helpers. Gather round for mischievous storytelling with our mystical dragon, Cedric and his friends. Plus don’t miss the Magical Monday finale …an amazing Illusion show which promises a jaw-dropping performance … you won’t believe your eyes!

Blackgang’s Big Night Out Fireworks Extravaganza – every Wednesday night from 26^th July – 30^th August. (Park open 10am – 9.30pm)

Our famous fireworks nights are back with a bang! The fun starts at lunchtime with a ‘live’ Cowboy Showdown; we’re talking ‘real’ shoot outs and ‘live’ explosives! Plus, keen an eye out for impromptu shoot-outs taking place during the day; who will you side with, the ‘goodies’ or the ‘baddies’? And when the town eventually calms down, why not take some time out and have a go at wild west dancing! Yee-haw! Plus there’s a NEW Shadow & Sheila dinosaur show from Blackgang’s resident T-rexs!

The evening fun and entertainment continues with circus workshops, an amazing NEW fire show, BBQ and to bring your day to a spectacular end … an awe inspiring musical firework display set off from the cliff edge!

Swashbuckling Sundays – every Sunday from 30^th July – 27^th August (Park open 10am – 6pm)

Blackgang Chine is being hijacked by Pirates! Join Captain Cliff Edge and his first mate for some good old swash-buckling fun. Learn how to sword fight like a true Blackgang buccaneer, take part in the treasure hunt and sing sea shanties with the crew. OR why not join our team of ‘divers’ and explore the secrets of our new Underwater Kingdom.

AMAZING DAYS & STUNNING NIGHTS AT ROBIN HILL

Experience amazing days and stunning nights this summer at Robin Hill when the park stays open to visitors late every Tuesday & Thursday until 10pm, starting 25^th July – 31^st August, with ride attractions and play areas open late into the evening. …… and of course, the beautiful woodland illuminations from dusk.

NEW FOR 2017 Experience exciting new fun on our Canopy Skywalk with the new Squirrel Run – where you can squirrel your way through a spiralling mesh tube suspended around our Canopy Skywalk, high up in the tree tops …… just don’t look down! Plus our new Skywalk Net Bridge – an adventurous new way to get across to our Canopy Skywalk! Bounce your way across our amazing 22 metre long net bridge for even more fun high up in the tree tops… we’re talking 10 metres high up!

Squawks Olympics – every Sunday, Monday, Wednesday & Friday from 23^rd July – 1^st September (park open 10am – 6pm)

The fun starts at 12 noon – 4pm. Join our squawk birds, Bonita and Diaz, as they cause mischief and mayhem whilst hosting an exciting programme of ‘bouncy’ team games. Let the games begin! NEW for this year, Zorbing Fun, a high energy fun sport that has you encased in a large inflatable capsule, falling, bumping and rolling clumsily as you try to play a game of football or get your team across to the other side of the arena! (suitable for children aged 6 years+) Next, it’s the Squawks Knockout Course! Have a go on our very own giant inflatable obstacle course! Race your way through the tunnel, clamber up the wall and slide down the other side … wonderfully, bouncy good, fun! (All participants must be over 1 metre tall) Then test your balance in the Squawks Hopper Challenge! Try bouncing around the arena on our space hoppers … it’s harder than it looks, but great fun! (For children aged 3 years+)

It’s Carnival Time! – every Tuesday & Thursday from 25^th July – 31^st August (park open late until 10pm)

Enjoy lots of high energy carnival style evening entertainment with live music, performances and

Squawks summer night parade. Take part in lively Brazilian dance sessions and Samba workshops. Experience the incredible Steelasophical Steelband who will be bringing soothing Caribbean calypso vibes, plus pop up entertainment in the woodlands from live bands to a solo saxophonist. Plus don’t miss our Carnival Finale performance followed by Steelasophical’s hilarious Limbo competition! The evening will close with Wings by Twilight, a stunning falconry show.

Vsitors can also enjoy a summer evening BBQ in Africa, traditional ‘Fish ’n’ Chip’ Supper in our serene woodland pond setting or relax with a drink in our Woodland Bar. Ride attractions and play areas will also be open until late. A great family night out!

For full programme of events, please visit www.robin-hill.com