Events have increasingly made up a large portion of the yearly calendar at Alton Towers, from Krewes taking over the resort’s themed areas to a Bavarian party on the lawns, and it looks like this year will be no different! Alton Towers have officially announced their line-up of ‘thrilliant’ events for 2023, and it’s giving us a packed calendar of exciting experiences to enjoy!
Kicking things off in swash-buckling style is February Half Term’s Pirate Takeover! The resort will be offering Towers Street and Mutiny Bay to day guests and hotel guests alike, as well as live entertainment, overnight stays, waterpark access and Extraordinary Golf! On top off this, guests can join Captain Black and his motley crew of infamous pirates in an exciting treasure hunt! So raise the sails and haul up the anchor because it’s Land Ahoy! from 11th-26th February!
Festival of Thrills will be returning to the resort in 2023 but prepare yourself to get marmalised as The Smiler takes over the event in order to make sure everything is corrected for its 10th anniversary at the resort! Alton Towers will be inviting guests to take on the resort’s awe-inspiring collection of roller coasters yet again for Festival of Thrills from 17th April to 7th May! Which Festival of Thrills performer did you most enjoy in 2022?
Get ready to join the Krewes as they take over the resort yet again at Mardi Gras 2023! This colourful event will see the return of Food Street, colourful krewes providing high-energy entertainment across the resort, and a dazzling carnival vibe celebration across the theme park! Mardi Gras returns from 20th May to 18th June – which Krewe is your favourite?
Oktoberfest returns in 2023 bringing the delights of the Bavarian festival to Britain’s greatest escape! From wurst on the lawns and live lederhosen-clad entertainment, this family friendly event will be blasting back into the theme park providing lively oomptastic entertainment with a chance to ride some of the UK’s best roller coasters! Oktoberfest will be turning the resort into a SEHR GUT experience from 9th September to 1st October!
Get ready to SCARE as the award-winning Scarefest returns to Alton Towers in 2023! With a host of opportunities to ride some of the resort’s roller coasters in the dark, along with a thrilling and spook-tastic selection of scare mazes, this event is a firm favourite at the resort! Monster Ball will be returning for brave youngsters whilst more seasoned victims of the theme park’s scare attractions can expect some brand new creepy scares! Scarefest will be running at the resort on 7th-8th and 13th-31st October!
The world-renowned Fireworks returns to Alton Towers this year on 3rd, 4th and 5th November! With dazzling effects, this fantabulous fireworks display will be sure to light up the sky over the Towers with a host of music and live-action storytelling! Fireworks is always a popular event at the resort and it will be fantastic to close out the 2023 main season in style once again! Availability for annual passholders to pre-book has already been released, with the price increased to £25pp (from £20pp). Merlin Platinum Passholders can once again pre-book free of charge, whilst Merlin Discovery Passholders are required to purchase a standard day ticket.
Christmas at Alton Towers will be running on select dates between 24th November and 30th December! With the park historically opening a selection of family attractions in addition to festive entertainment and santa-related activities, you can expect to take to the rides of CBeebies Land, and enjoy some selected ride experiences at the most magical time of the year! Although Lightopia has been a feature at the event for the last two years, with the recent announcement that the company behind the light and lantern trail, Outreach Creative Ltd, has entered administration, it is not clear if such an experience will be offered during 2023’s event.
The events line-up at Alton Towers this year goes to show how focused the resort is on providing a myriad of experiences for guests at the UK’s biggest theme park. Chris Carter, Events and Entertainments Director at Alton Towers said of the announcements:
“We are dedicated to creating a much-needed form of escape for families and thrillseekers and this year, we plan to host non-stop fun and thrills throughout the entire season.
“We are excited to see the return of our popular Mardi Gras, Oktoberfest, award-winning Scarefest, and mind-blowing fireworks spectacular, as well as welcome Festival of Thrills back for a second year with a special Smiler celebration.
“All of our events will have exciting new live entertainment, fabulous, themed food and drink and with our fantastic rides and attractions, we’re sure our guests will love the Resort’s incredible line-up this season.”
Are you excited to see the return of this spectacular event line-up for Alton Towers? Which events will you be making an effort to visit this year at the theme park?
