See some of your favourite CBeebies characters live on stage at the Big Fun Show Time Pavilion. The living, breathing heart of CBeebies Land, Big Fun Show Time features a range of live shows based on some of CBeebies’ most popular programmes. Whether you’re just after somewhere to relax with a picnic, or are looking for some exciting entertainment, there’s sure to be something for everyone.
Need2Know
- Min. Rider Height:Â None
- Max. Rider Height:Â None
- Ride Photography:Â No
- Fastrack:Â No
Tech Specs
- Manufacturer:Â BBC Worldwide / THEME3
- Ride Type:Â Interactive Show
- Opened:Â 24th May 2014
- No. of Shows:Â 3
Big Fun Show Time is the home of live entertainment in CBeebies Land. At the heart of the grassy area is a large performance space complete with big screen backdrop. Throughout the day the area hosts a selection of shows based around popular CBeebies shows, the precise line-up of which changes on a season to season basis. Each show features a range of opportunities for little ones to get involved so whichever show guests choose to watch there will be plenty for little ones to interact with.
Once the shows are over, the Funsters also have a range of activities for younger guests to enjoy over on the far side of the area – try your hand at a spot of target practice, or see how many skittles you can knock down in the miniature bowling alley. You can also meet your favourite characters in a special meet and greet tent.
One thing is for certain – there’s something to keep every little one entertained, with current shows including:
- Teletubbies Big Band Live Show (since 2019)
- Bing Live (since 2022)
- Hey Duggee Live: The Map Badge (since 2022)
The Big Fun Show Time Pavilion is located on the site of the former Big Top and Ice Arena which hosted live entertainment in the park from when it first moved to the site next to the Safeway Farm in 1992, up until the closed season of 2005.
First installed in 1980, the Big Top was originally located in the Ingestre Centre alongside the Courtyard (which later on became Aqualand), and was home to the park’s first permanent entertainment attraction, The Parrot Show. In 1983 The Parrot Show was moved and a much larger Big Top was installed to house a number of different circus shows between 1983 and 1988.
In 1988 an ice rink was installed into the tent for the first Christmas Festival at the park and from 1989 onwards the venue became a permanent home for the ice shows at the park. After hosting various laser and circus spectaculars, the Big Top was re-located next to The Safeway Farm where a new show, Captain Henry’s Gold: An Adventure on Ice, ran for the next two seasons.
With the departure of Henry Hound at the end of the 1993 season, a new resident, Peter Rabbit became the longest running character to call the Big Top home and saw the re-theming of the surrounding area to Storybook Land in 1995.
Peter Rabbit left in 2001 and this saw the removal of the Big Top and the installation of a purpose built Ice Arena. This new venue would go on to house the futuristic Webmaster in 2002, followed by the Circus of Illusion from 2004. Closed season 2005 saw the Ice Arena host the Magic of Panto on Ice during the Winter Weekends. This was to be the last show hosted in the venue. From 2006 until its removal over the 2013/14 season the Ice Arena stood empty until it made way for CBeebies Land.
Since its opening in 2014, a range of shows have featured in the Big Fun Show Time Pavilion:
- Nina and the Neurons (2014 – 2015)
- Mike the Knight / Knight’s Challenge (2014 – 2015)
- The Zingzillas (2014 – 2016)
- Tree Fu Tom (2016 – 2018)
- The Funster Show (2017 – 2018)
- Bing’s Picnic (2018 – 2021)
- Hey Duggee Live: The Big Day Out Badge (2016 – 2021)
