FIRST LOOK: Blackpool's new skyline with 'tallest of its kind' ride

Earlier this year, Pleasure Beach Resort unveiled plans for a brand-new £8.72M ride set to open in 2026 – and today the park has released the first CGI video of what it will look like.

The towering 138ft gyro swing will fly riders alongside the world-famous Big One and parallel to the coast, which can be seen for the first time in new footage created by the park’s creative team.

Named Aviktas, the ride will be the ‘tallest of its kind’ in the UK, and will drastically change the way the seaside resort’s famous coastline will look.

The giant spinning pendulum ride swings 120 degrees and will seat 40 riders who face outwards with their legs dangling, and experience an exhilarating feeling of flying.

Amanda Thompson OBE, CEO of Pleasure Beach Resort said: “We’re known for going big at Pleasure Beach, and Aviktas is exactly that.

“We hope by releasing this video, guests will be able to understand the mammoth scale of our new investment, and the huge impact it’ll have on our park and the industry as a whole. This ride will be colossal, daunting, exhilarating and an incredible addition to the town.”

Although other swinging pendulum rides exist in the UK, none come close to the Pleasure Beach model in terms of height. For example, Drayton Manor’s Maelstrom reaches approximately 74 feet, with the new ride almost double that in size.

Prior to its name reveal, Aviktas was referred to as ‘Project 2026’, until park bosses dropped its official name back in May. Its reveal left fans scratching their heads, but the park insisted it was staying tight-lipped on how the ride will come to life.

Amanda added: “This is the first small tease of what we have planned, there’s plenty more teasers on the way!”

Work is well underway on the former Bowl-A-Drome site, which will become the home of Aviktas. Demolition work started at the beginning of the season, with the area now completely clear of any pervious building.

“Keep an eye on our socials, as what may now seem mysterious, will eventually be revealed!”, added Amanda.

Aviktas will open in 2026.

Guests who are wanting to visit the Pleasure Beach this season can do so by booking online in advance at https://www.blackpoolpleasurebeach.com/ for the biggest savings.