Opening 25 May 2018 - ICON will be the UK’s first ever double-launch rollercoaster, propelling riders at speeds of up to 85 kilometres per hour during an intense, jaw-dropping two and a half minutes of thrills and spills. The two powerful thrusts of acceleration can only be likened to that felt by Formula 1 drivers.

To celebrate the opening we thought we share some interesting and record breaking facts about the UK’s favourite seaside resort.

The Pleasure Beach, Blackpool is one of the UK's top visitor attractions, welcoming over 7.8 million visitors each season.

The Pleasure Beach’s Pepsi Max opened in 1994. At 235ft high it was the largest and steepest rollercoaster in the world. It held this title until 1996 when Fujiyama in Japan became the highest in the world. The roller coaster reaches 85 mph, making it the fastest in Europe.

Blackpool's permanent electric street tramway was the world's first when it opened in 1885

At just under 6 miles long the Blackpool Illuminations is the world’s largest free light show

Blackpool Tower opened in 1894 and was modelled on the Eiffel Tower in Paris. The 158 metre high landmark is illuminated by about 10,000 light bulbs and takes 7 years to paint.

The world’s first and most famous annual Ballroom dance competition-Blackpool Dance Festival – has been held annually at the Winter Gardens over 8 days during May since 1920

The World Match Play Darts Championship is held annually at the Winter Gardens.

Listed Grade II*, the Grand is in the top 8 per cent of all listed buildings in England, one of only nine large theatres listed Grade II* or above, north of London.

Sandcastle Waterpark is the UKs largest indoor waterpark featuring 18 rides and attractions including the Master Blaster, one of the longest roller coaster waterslides in the world.

Blackpool Zoo is built on the site of the old Blackpool Municipal Airport, which was later turned into Stanley Park Aerodrome. It was turned into an RAF parachute training centre in 1939.

Sea Life Blackpool is home to a record breaking crab. 'Big Daddy' holds the record for the 'longest leg on a crab' which measures 1.43 m (4 ft 8.5 in), measured on 8th of August 2013.

Blackpool is also unsurprisingly home to the record for the 'largest stick of rock' which weighed in at 424.5 kg (935 lb 13 oz) 6 December 2000.

In 2014 Blackpool broke the world record for the biggest beach ball. Measuring at 18ft high (three times the height of a standard UK house), the ball was inflated on Blackpool prom.

Fancy being a record breaker yourself? Head to Blackpool Pleasure Beach for their Summertime Games 24 – 27 July - where they will be hosting a whole week of challenges and a chance for you to break several Guinness World Records ™ titles.

Related

Pleasure Beach Resort
Theme Park
Family at Pleasure Beach

There's something for everyone at Pleasure Beach Resort. Ride ICON the UK’s first double launch coaster, featuring 15 interactions involving five different rides. Enjoy the UK’s only Nickelodeon Land loaded with 12 rides and attractions. For the ultimate in thrills why not brave Pleasure Beach’s tallest rollercoaster, the Big One.

SEA LIFE Blackpool
Aquarium
SEA LIFE Blackpool

Showcasing over 2,000 remarkable aquatic creatures including tropical sharks, colourful reef fish, rays and sea horses, not to mention the majestic green sea turtle Phoenix.  SEA LIFE Blackpool is the perfect way to experience the wonders of underwater life without getting wet.

The Blackpool Tower
Tower
The Blackpool Tower Glass Floor

There are plenty of experiences on offer at The Blackpool Tower to ensure you have an unparalleled Blackpool experience

Opera House & Winter Gardens
Theatre
Opera House & Winter Gardens

One of the UK’s biggest theatres, the Winter Gardens Opera House, has seen a cast of thousands tread its boards since it first opened in 1939. With a 3,000 seat capacity, the splendour of the venue oozes sophistication and character.

Grand Theatre
Theatre
Grand Theatre

At Blackpool's Grade II Grand Theatre, Lancashire's premier touring theatre and arts centre you will catch a wide ranging programme of shows throughout the year.

Sandcastle Waterpark
Theme Park
Sandcastle Waterpark

Sandcastle Waterpark, Blackpool is the UK’s largest indoor waterpark and with more than 18 slides and attractions in an 84 degree tropical climate there is something to entertain the whole family. The admission process and completely been overhauled to ensure that social distancing can now take place.

Blackpool Zoo
Animal Collection
Elephants

The multi award-winning Blackpool Zoo has it all! The zoo is situated in 37 acres of traditional, spacious parkland with lakes. All your favourites are here – big cats, elephants, giraffes, gorillas, orang-utans and 'Blue Peter' TV stars, the sealions.

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