Blackpool Pleasure Beach confirms date iconic ride will close for good

Blackpool Pleasure Beach has announced the date that one of its longest-running rides will close forever - and it’s not too far away.

The popular theme park resort announced last month that the Grand Prix ride will close forever in order to make way for a new ride. First opened in 1960, the ride sees people travel in electric-powered race cars down a spiral track and underneath the Avalanche rollercoaster.

The Grand Prix, which was originally called the Turnpike, will now close ahead of the summer season with a big celebratory event where people will be able to collect memento tickets and a commemorative certificate to say they were one of the last to enjoy the ride.

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Bosses at Blackpool Pleasure Beach have confirmed that the ride will officially close on June 7 with a ‘Grand Prix: The Final Lap’ event in the evening for those who want to give the track a last spin before it closes for good.

The event will feature a host of local artists and musicians, as well as live DJ sets and entertainment from the Grid Girls. Organisers behind the event have teased the special night as ‘Las Vegas meets Pleasure Beach Resort’.

Starting from 6pm on June 7, the event will also feature prosecco on arrival and Grand Prix-themed snacks and food. There will also be appearances from real supercars provided by Elite Competitions alongside Pleasure Beach Resort’s special Jordan F1 car.

A spokesperson for the event said: “As our Grand Prix ride leaves the pits for the final time, join us in celebrating 64 years of racing. An evening of memorable performances by local artists and musicians, live DJ sets, and entertainment from Pleasure Beach’s own Grid Girls – think Las Vegas meets Pleasure Beach Resort!

“Of course, as the main event, guests will have the chance to enjoy the Grand Prix for one final time, experience the same G-force as an F1 driver on ICON and receive a commemorative certificate to verify that they were one of the last people to ride such an iconic ride, as well as a memento ticket.

“Wave the chequered flag for a final time and cheer her over the line as we say goodbye to our beloved ride.”

Blackpool Pleasure Beach has not yet announced what is in line to replace the Grand Prix. Ahead of the start of the 2024 season, the resort has spent millions on updating a number of its most-loved rides, including re-tracking the Big One to ensure a smoother ride and reimagining the popular Ghost Train. The Alice in Wonderland ride has also received a series of updates.

You can get tickets to the ‘Grand Prix: The Final Lap’ event here. Tickets start from £50. More details here.