CBeebies Land celebrates 10th anniversary with new attraction at Alton Towers this half term

There's a festival vibe at Alton Towers this half term - as the theme park celebrates the 10th anniversary of the UK's only CBeebies Land.

Much-loved stars from the TV station are appearing in special shows across the May half-term week at the Staffordshire attraction. That includes Mr Tumble, Evie Pickerill, Dodge the Dog and Andy Day.

The events kicked off at the weekend with the opening of the CBeebies House Party Live at a new stage set up across the front lawns of Alton Towers. A huge tent has been set up with undercover seating for families, while there's a range of fun activities and pop-up food and drink stalls too.

READ MORE: Every themed room you can book at Alton Towers resort

The opening show on Saturday played to a packed audience of families who saw Mr Tumble star Justin Fletcher appear on stage with a birthday cake - that he very nearly spilled all over the floor!

Across the week until June 2 there will be daily shows with an all-star cast from CBeebies, also to include Mr Maker, Gyasi Sheppy, Joanna Adeyinka-Burford, Rhys Stephenson, George Webster, Rebecca Keatley and Ben Cajee.

As well as the entertainment on stage, there are activities for all the family in a dedicated play area next to the main stage. Kids can make music by turning everyday objects into instruments, create bubbles of all shapes and sizes, twirl with hula hoops and play dress up too.

The new event is all included in the general admission ticket price for guests heading to Alton Towers.

The new festival-style site also offers a range of food and drink stalls, including a crepe stand, ice cream sundae stall and smoothie drinks bar. It is set up on the front lawns as you enter Alton Towers, overlooking the lake.

The festival site does get busy though - for the opening shows on Saturday every table was packed with families so if there's a particular act you are keen to see on your visit the best advice is to find a space inside the tent area early.

It's all located right next to CBeebies Land too, which is celebrating its 10th anniversary this summer.

New at the theme park dedicated to younger visitors includes the arrival of Aussie dogs Bluey and Bingo will be joined by their parents, Bandit and Chilli for a new live experience.

Families will be able to join the Heeler family in Big Fun Showtime and show off their best dance moves as they play games with the magic xylophone and magic asparagus, followed by the chance to meet and greet the family, marking the first time ever Bluey fans can meet Bandit and Chilli.

A brand-new sensory space has also been developed and will be the latest addition to CBeebies Land, providing a calming environment for guests with additional needs who require a quiet moment away from the excitement of the resort’s rides, live shows and attractions.

The anniversary celebrations run from Saturday, May 25 to Sunday, June 2.

CBeebies Land first opened in 2014, and includes a host of attractions including the newest Hey Duggee Big Adventure Badge, Andy’s Adventures Dinosaur Dig, and JoJo & Gran Gran At Home.

They join favourites like the Go Jetters Vroomster Zoom ride, In the Night Garden Magical Boat Ride, Postman Pat Parcel Post, Something Special Sensory Garden and Octonauts Rollercoaster Adventure.

The full CBeebies House Party Live schedule

This is the full schedule of entertainment planned for the May half-term holidays. As with all live performances, slots are subject to change.

How to get tickets

Tickets to CBeebies Land start from £35 and include access to the wider theme park. To book or find out more about CBeebies Land and CBeebies Land Hotel visit the website here.