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!
Chocofrolica heads to Blackgang Chine
Chocolate lovers are invited to the park this Easter holidays as we launch Chocofrolica, a brand-new event which promises to indulge and delight visitors with the UK’s favourite confectionery.
Anyone with a sweet tooth can enter chocolate heaven from 6th – 27th April, 10am – 5pm, as the park is taken over by Chocofrolica, an event ‘choc-full’ of fun and treats for all the family.
From arrival, visitors will revel in the wonders of the cocoa bean as they are given the chance to enrol as a chocolatier for the day. They’ll be presented with a special Chocofrolica schedule of activities, with chances to win lots of sweet prizes along the way.
Upon here on in guests can:
- Chocolate Bubble Bath: dive into a pit of ‘chocolate bubbles’ to search for the winning golden bubble
- Bouncy Milk Cow Hoppers: race your friends
- Honey Bee Quest: explore the park to solve the daily quest
- The Easter Bunny will be hopping around, popping up and making a few cheeky appearances!
Dominic Wray, Park Manager at Blackgang Chine, said: “We’d like our visitors to let their imaginations run wild this Easter as they enter a land of chocolate bliss! Chocofrolica is a unique experience for all the family to enjoy. We encourage everyone who visits to step back to their childhood and get involved in the specially created chocolate themed activities, attractions and nature that our park offers.”
Families can also expect frolics and fables from Blackgang Chine’s resident dragon Cedric and his Mad Chocolatier who will be delivering stories about the history of chocolate. The Easter Bunny will be popping up throughout the day too offering selfies as he hops away.
Easter Weekend 19th – 22nd April, 10am – 7pm
Families visiting the park across the Easter weekend can enjoy extra Chocofrolica activities including an amazing 5-tier chocolate fountain and performances by Coco the Bubble Wizard who will wow audiences with his incredible giant bubbles.
Tickets start from just £25.00 and can be booked now!
Live-action Cowboy Show
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
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
Easter Celebrations
Visitors to Blackgang Chine, the oldest theme park in the country, are in for a real treat this season as the park celebrates its 175th 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 (3rd, 4th, 10th and 11th 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 175th 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 175th 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 17th 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
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 7th, 8th and 9th 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!
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 7th, 8th and 9th 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 10th 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 9th 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!
Extra Fun at Blackgang and Robin Hill this half-term!
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!
Fairy Festival promises all things magical
FAIRY FLING
29th April – 1st May 2017
Fairy Festival promises all things magical
All would-be fairies, pixies and their friends are welcome to come along, join the fun and celebrate all things magical at Blackgang’s Fairyland!
Blackgang’s very own Fairy Queen and her NEW fairy helpers Fairy Aqua, Buccaneer, Blunder, Blossom, & Forrest will be on hand to share their magic spells and sprinkle their fairy dust around the park – plus there will be a special visit from the Fairy Queen’s own Unicorn, ‘Wally’ too.
A festival of fun is planned for the enjoyment of all the family. Fairies, pixies and their friends can visit the wishing tree and ‘make a wish’, enjoy the ‘live’ Fairy Show, take part in fairy dance workshops and be enchanted by the fairies’ story-telling with Cedric the friendly Dragon. Plus, meet our woodland characters, marvel at the magic performed by our wandering Wizard, listen to beautiful harp sounds in Blackgang’s fairyland and enjoy lots of other entertainment too.
Plus, for all those in arriving in fancy dress, there are special prizes for the best dressed fairies, pixies and sprites!
There are magical surprises around every corner this May Bank Holiday at Blackgang Chine. For more details click HERE
