Blackpool’s Pleasure Beach has announced the name of its new £8.72 million attraction, set to be the UK’s tallest swinging pendulum ride.
Previously referred to as Project 2026, the new attraction is called Aviktas, coined by Pleasure Beach’s creative team.
The Gyro Swing by Intamin, a creator of record-breaking amusement rides, is a spinning pendulum ride that will swing 120 degrees and reach 138 feet at its highest point.
The ride can seat 40 guests who face outwards with their legs dangling as they experience a feeling of flying through the air.
CEO of Pleasure Beach Resort, Amanda Thompson, said: “We’re incredibly excited to reveal the name of our next major attraction, Aviktas.
“This is a ride like nothing we’ve ever created before, and while we’re keeping the full experience under wraps for now, I can promise it will be truly extraordinary.”
Work has started on Aviktas ride
Work has already started on Aviktas, with the UK theme park‘s former Bowl-A-Drome building now being demolished to make room for the attraction.
The UK is home to one other Gyro Swing; Drayton Manor’s Maelstrom, which is around 74 feet high, meaning Pleasure Beach’s ride will be almost double that height.
Thompson added, “We’ll be revealing pieces of information about Aviktas over the next few months, including its theming, colours and design, and we’ve added a dedicated section to our website where fans can follow its journey.
“After all, what’s a new ride launch without a little bit of mystery?”
Blackpool Pleasure Beach has been busy this year. The park has now opened its reimagined Launch Pad ride and announced a reopening date for its Grand National coaster.
Guests will get to ride the wooden coaster towards the end of June after a period of maintenance.
Aviktas is due to open in 2026.
Images courtesy of Pleasure Beach Resort
