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2017 HISTORY & BACKGROUND OF BLACKPOOL PLEASURE BEACH Growth of the Park Throughout the Years History Time Line RIDE INFORMATION White Knuckle Rides Selections Of Thrill & Family Rides Nickelodeon Land The Big One Ice Blast CONTENTS Infusion Red Arrows Skyforce Construction 2018 THE BIG BLUE HOTEL THE SHOWS Stageworks Hot Ice MARKETING Mission Statement Marketing Communications CUSTOMER SERVICE Meeting Customers’ Expectations TRIVIA EDUCATION ACADEMY HISTORY AND BACKGROUND OF THE COMPANY Blackpool Pleasure Beach is a family owned company. The Pleasure Beach, as we know it today, was founded by William George Bean who, in 1896, in conjunction with a partner, John Outhwaite, bought the forty-two acre site on which the park now stands. Prior to this, there had been a small fairground at South Shore consisting of a few roundabouts, a switchback railway, games stalls and fortune tellers. W.G.Bean was inspired to build an America-style Amusement Park and introduced the Hotchkiss Bicycle Railroad to the site in July 1896. He travelled extensively, bringing new rides and ideas to the Pleasure Beach. Noah’s Ark and Sir Hiram Maxim’s Flying Machines are two of his attractions which still survive today. Before he died in 1929 he had established the Pleasure Beach as one of Blackpool’s greatest attractions. HISTORY When, in 1929, his son-in-law, Leonard Thompson, succeeded W.G.Bean, the Thompson family gained complete control of the company and there followed an intensive period of development including the building of the, then, modernistic Casino Building. During the war years the Pleasure Beach remained open all year round: enabling thousands of servicemen, evacuees, and the population as a whole to escape the realities of war for a short time. An RAF detachment was housed under canvas on the site and parts for Wellington bombers were manufactured in the workshops. After the war the company continued to prosper under the leadership of Leonard Thompson, who was inspired by Walt Disney’s fantastic creation, ‘Disneyland’- the ultimate in Amusement Parks. When he died in 1976, having had the company under his control for more than forty years, the Pleasure Beach was, as it has remained, Europe’s Greatest Amusement Park. On the death of his father, Geoffrey Thompson took over the responsibilities of Managing Director, while his mother, Mrs. L.D. Thompson, became Chairman. Geoffrey Thompson’s many achievements included: the building of the Revolution - the first 360° rollercoaster in Europe; the Avalanche - the UK’s only bobsleigh ride and The Big One - the tallest, fastest rollercoaster in the world at the time of its creation. Following his death in 2004, his daughter, Amanda Thompson, became Managing Director. Blackpool Pleasure Beach has an unusually long open season that commences in early February and finishes in November. Unlike many other amusement parks, which are at their busiest in the summer, the Pleasure Beach remains extremely busy throughout the autumn, with heavy daily attendances during the last part of the season, which coincides with the famous Blackpool Illuminations. Construction and maintenance work on the site is scheduled to take place during the short winter close down. Staff has always played an important part in the development of Blackpool Pleasure Beach and the ‘family’ theme is evident in the number of husbands, wives and children who have worked for the company over the years. This tradition, along with careful selection, has provided a workforce second to none. HISTORY TIME LINE 1896 The Pleasure Beach was founded by William George Bean who introduced a mechanical ride from the USA. The still popular River Caves and Sir Hiram Maxim’s Flying Machines are two of his attractions that survive today. Before he died in 1929, he had established the Pleasure Beach as one of Blackpool’s greatest attractions. 1929 W. G. Bean was succeeded by his son-in-law, Leonard Thompson. The Thompson family gained control of the company. An intensive building programme took place which included: the Casino Building, the Rollercoaster, the Pleasure Beach Express and the world famous twin track coaster, the Grand National. The War Years The Second World War put a temporary halt to progress. HISTORY Post War Years During the 1960’s Britain’s first commercial Monorail was built at Blackpool Pleasure Beach along with new rides: the Monster, the Astro Swirl and the Log Flume. 1976+ Geoffrey Thompson became Managing Director of the company following the death of his father Leonard; while Mrs L.D. Thompson became chairman. Exiting new rides were introduced, including the spectacular 360 rollercoaster- the Revolution, and the U.K.’s only bobsleigh ride-the Avalanche. 1990 The exterior of the grounds were redesigned and a brand new Edwardian style cosmopolitan shopping complex, Ocean Boulevard, was created along the Promenade. 1994 The £12 million Big One was opened: at the time, the tallest and fastest rollercoaster in the world. 1997 Another U.K. first, the £2 million Ice Blast was constructed which catapults riders 210 feet vertically into the air. 1998 The Globe Theatre opened, featuring the famed Eclipse show starring Vladimir. 2000 £15 million was invested in the Viking themed Valhalla. This thrilling new ride was hailed as the biggest, most spectacular dark ride ever to be constructed by mankind. 2002 Over £3million was invested in new rides, enhancements and attractions. The new “Impossible” exploratorium is where the impossible, the improbable and the laws of nature are defied and your whole world is turned upside down. 2003 The chic, stylish and luxurious Big Blue Hotel opened in May. 2003 also saw the 100th birthday of our Chairman, Mrs L.D. Thompson!!! HISTORY TIME LINE 2004 Mrs L.D. Thompson M.B.E. J.P. and Geoffrey Thompson O.B.E. passed away. Amanda Thompson became Managing Director. 2005 There was a 40 bedroom club wing expansion to the Big Blue Hotel including 4 suites. 2006 Blackpool Pleasure beach celebrates 70 sensational years of Hot Ice. 2007 £8 million was invested in Infusion, the world’s first rollercoaster suspended entirely over water. The ride was officially launched by television personality Vernon Kay. New show, Forbidden, opened at the Globe. 2008 The new Adventure Golf opened: a £1/2 million, 12 hole golf course featuring an eye-catching 21st century design, brilliant landscaping and state HISTORY of the art holes to entertain both young and old. 2011 A £10.3 million investment was made to bring the U.K.’s only Nickelodeon Land to a 6 acre site in the Pleasure Beach. It features 12 themed rides and includes the world’s first Sponge Bob Splash Bash ride. 2012 Amanda Thompson was awarded the O.B.E. for her services to tourism by Her Majesty the Queen in the New Year’s Honours List. Blackpool Pleasure Beach received the award for “Best Print Advertising” at the IAPPA (International Association of Amusement Parks & Attractions) Expo in Orlando, Florida. The Educated Department received the “Business Partnership” award for outstanding contribution. 2013 The new £3.35 million Wallace & Gromit Thrill-O-Matic opened. With the use of stunning scenery and amazing special effects, riders are taken through Wallace & Gommit’s adventures. The Big Dipper celebrated its 90th birthday. The Educated Academy wins “Best for Groups” at The Lancashire Tourism Awards. 2015 The 72ft high, 12-seat white-knuckle ride, Red Arrows Skyforce opens. Stepping into their own Red Arrow cockpit, riders take control of the plane, spinning and gliding in their very own display. 2016 A year of celebrations as Blackpool Pleasure Beach marks its 120th year of fun. To add to the festivities, Hot Ice celebrates the 80th anniversary of spectacular ice shows at Blackpool Pleasure Beach. 2017 After 5 years of planning, work commences on an exciting new project, codenamed “Construction 2018”. This new ride will be the U.K.’s first double launch rollercoaster and represents a huge investment of £16.25 million. ROLLERCOASTERS STEELIES WOODIES REVOLUTION THE BIG DIPPER Constructed in1979. Constructed in 1923. Height – 50 feet (15.24 metres). Height – 70 feet (21.34 metres). Track length – 635 feet (193.54 metres). Track length – 3,295 feet (1,004.32 metres). The first 360˚ rollercoaster in Europe Max speed – 35mph. THE AVALANCHE THE GRAND NATIONAL Constructed in 1988. Constructed in 1935 Height – 59 feet (17.98 metres). Height – 62 feet (18.9 metres). Track length – 1,160 feet (353.57 metres). Track length – 6,604 feet (2013 metres). Max speed – 45mph. Max speed – 50mph. Bobsleigh ride, the only one of its type in U.K. Europe’s first twin-track coaster. THE BIG ONE NICKELODEON STREAK Constructed in 1994. Constructed in 1934. Height – 235 feet (71.63 metres). Redesigned in 2011. Track length – just over 1 mile. Height - 61 feet (18.59 metres). Max speed – 85mph. Track length – 2,293 feet (698.9 metres). G forces – 3.5 positive g; 0.5 negative g. Max speed 15mph. 6 drop – steepest in the world. INFUSION BLUE FLYER Constructed 2007. Constructed in 1934. Height – 109 feet (33.22 metres). Redesigned in 2011. Track length – 2,260 feet (688.85 metres). Height – 20 feet (6.1 metres). Max speed – 50mph. Track length – 500feet (152.4 metres). 5 loop rollercoaster suspended over water. Max speed 15mph. RIDE INFORMATION THE STEEPLECHASE THE WILD MOUSE Constructed in 1977. Constructed in 1958 Height - 40 feet (12.9 metres). Track length - 1,266 feet Track length - 1,500 feet (457.2 metres). (385.9 metres). Max speed 30mph. 3 horses, at a time, race each other on 3 tracks. SELECTION OF OUR THRILL RIDES ICE BLAST Constructed 1997 Height – 210 feet (64 metres). G forces – 4. positive g; ˗1 negative g.

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