Our News & Blog!

Limited Edition Blackgang Coins!

18th June 2018 / No Comments

There’s just 175 available!

As part of our 175th birthday celebrations, here at Blackgang Chine we’ve produced exclusive, limited edition gold coins!

These coins are a money-can’t-buy opportunity for you to keep a memento of your time at Blackgang Chine during our big birthday year! We’ll be giving them away throughout the year so keep your eyes peeled for in-park games, treasure hunts, competitions and lots of other ways to win!

There are only 175 of these gold coins available and they cannot be bought – so you’ll have to get involved to be in with a chance of bagging your own! However, there are silver versions available to purchase in the shop should you want to make sure you get hold of a souvenir coin. Both gold and silver coins will be provided in a Blackgang 175th presentation boxes.

Keep an eye out for more details soon across our social channels; Facebook, Twitter & Instagram!

19.7.18 – UPDATE

2018 Photo Competition
Capture the imagination of Blackgang Chine during your visit the year and enter our biggest photo competition ever to be in with a chance of winning. You can enter here.

18.7.18 – UPDATE

In-park giveaways!
Throughout our Birthday Bash event days, Monday & Wednesday, there’ll be numerous opportunities to win coins…whether that’s by participating in a cowboy or fairy dance workshop, panning for gold or meeting our characters. Keep your eyes and ears open for a chance to win!

16.7.18 – UPDATE

Character Hunts!
Every Monday & Wednesday throughout the summer, there’ll be one character in the park who has a coin token. We’ll post a clue out each morning across our Facebook & Twitter pages and the first visitor in the park to find the character and state the word ‘Treasure’ will win!

26.6.18 – UPDATE

A Facebook photo memory competition has now launched! This is your first chance to get hold of a coin so head over to our Facebook page and get involved! All you need to do is share a photo memory of your time at the park! THIS COMPETITION HAS NOW CLOSED.

Live-action Cowboy Show

14th May 2018 / No Comments

Expect lost gold, outlaws & explosive action at Wild West Week

With Wild West Week fast approaching, here at Blackgang Chine, we’re gearing up for a more action-packed and explosive live-action Cowboy show than ever before! Here’s a short synopsis of the storyline:

It’s 1850 and the good folk of Cowboy Town have fled to the hills after the arrival of the infamous outlaw Rattlesnake Jake. He’s on the quest to find the Lost Gold of Rockola, a legendary stash of gold hidden by an outlaw called the Rockola Kid. With his trusty sidekick, Sam Shuttlebucket, Jake is racing against time to find the gold before other outlaws arrive in town. Unlucky for him though, Bounty Hunter Buffalo Bob is on her way to collect the bounties on as many outlaws as possible. Can Jake find the gold before he gets caught? And will Theodore Wilberforce Indiana Tucker, the new Sheriff in town be able to bring law and order back to Cowboy Town?

We caught up with the script writer for the show to learn a little more about the writing process and the characters involved:

“The main objective when writing a script like this is to ensure that the focus is correct throughout. It’s so easy for visitors to be distracted in outdoor shows so it’s my job to make sure that audiences are captivated throughout – whether that’s by clever use of script, pyrotechnics, music or lighting.” And there’s plenty of gun shots, explosions and action to keep our audiences entertained this May Half Term!

“I’m a firm believer that the plot should be explained within the first minute of the show and each character introduced quickly and clearly.” For one of our characters, his reputation precedes him! Rattlesnake Jake is the meanest outlaw this side of the Medina and it’s no surprise that the townsfolk have fled after hearing of his arrival! He takes on the classic ‘baddie’ role with sidekick Sam Shuttlebucket close in toe. Sam has a tendency to get things wrong and although he’s not dumb, his innocence and naivety is obvious! Followed up by Bounty Hunter Buffalo Bob who’s fast approaching Cowboy Town on her search for outlaws, there’s bound to be a gun fight! Let’s just hope that the new Sheriff Theodore Wilberforce Indiana Tucker will be able to make the town safe again!

Fight scenes, jeopardy, guest interaction, explosives and a great vein of honest, adult humour make this Cowboy Show our favourite yet!

Catch the show and a whole host of other activities during Wild West Week at Blackgang Chine from 26th May – 3rd June.
Book your tickets online now to save.

Pixie Lott and the Noisettes confirmed as headline acts of Eklectica festival

29th March 2018 / No Comments

Two of the UK’s most successful music acts, Pixie Lott and the Noisettes are heading to the Isle of Wight this September as the confirmed headline acts for the high-spirited music festival, Eklectica.

Popstar, Pixie Lott, and indie rock band, the Noisettes, are the latest artists to be confirmed for the festival which returns to the Isle of Wight’s enchanting Robin Hill Country Park on Friday 7th – Sunday 9th September.

The multi-award-winning artists will help close the festival over the weekend and perform to the thousands of festivalgoers expected to turn out for the music festival.

Rob Holgate, the Event Director for Eklectica said of Pixie and the Noisettes’ addition to the line-up: “Having these two acts headline this year’s festival is fantastic! They’re young, they’re cool, they’re current and most importantly they have amazing voices and stellar stage presence so both acts will add to the exciting atmosphere that will no doubt be buzzing around the woodlands.”

Pixie Lott and the Noisettes join a line-up of other industry-leading acts set to take to the stage at this year’s Eklectica festival. Friday will see a vibrant set from radio DJ and presenter, Reggie Yates and a bouncing performance from one of the music industry’s most talented rappers, Tinchy Stryder. Pop rock bands, Scouting for Girls and The Hoosiers will be stealing the show on Saturday and then helping to bring the festival to a close on Sunday is Scottish rock band, The Fratellis, and legendary alternative rock band, Toploader.

The go-to festival for an escapist weekend full of chart-topping acts and wellbeing activities, Eklectica is also committed to championing newcomers in the music industry and will welcome artists including dance/electric band, The Wolf Club, 5-piece indie/electro band, who hail from the Isle of Wight, Nakamarra, and blues-rock guitarist, Kris Barrass, who has just released a new album.

Eklectica is also providing an opportunity to showcase the region’s local independent food and retail outlets, from quirky stalls such as hand-made, small-batch gin, Mermaid Gin, to the Isle of Wight Ice Cream Company, who source all their milk from just 2 miles away!

A not-to-be-missed festival, tickets are available from £25 and include day, weekend and weekend camping tickets. With easy access from Southampton and Portsmouth, those that book their tickets through the Eklectica website can now claim 25% discounted ferry travel with Red Funnel ferries and 20% discounted ferry travel with Wightlink ferries!

For more information about Eklectica and to book tickets, visit: www.eklectica.live

CUSTOMER ANNOUNCEMENT: Closed Until Saturday 24th March

20th March 2018 / No Comments

For the safety and well-being of both our visitors and our staff, Blackgang Chine and Robin Hill will both remain closed until Saturday 24th March. This is to allow all the snow and ice currently covering the majority of our parks chance to thaw.

If you have bought tickets to visit us within this period, and are now unable to use them, please email info@blackgangchine.com or info@robin-hill.com to arrange a refund.

Visitors with 7 day return ticket will have their returns extended until Friday 30th March, to allow them to enjoy all that the park has to offer, and make the most out of their tickets.

We apologise for any inconvenience caused, however the safety of our team and visitors is paramount.

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