Themics Philippines Inc., an internationally recognised theming and fabrication company, is celebrating the grand opening of Valgard: Realm of the Vikings at Paultons Park in the UK.
This immersive themed area redevelopment features a seamless integration of craftsmanship, storytelling, and technological innovation.
Based on concept designs by Leisure Expert Group, a leading experience design company, Themics was responsible for transforming the creative vision into a complete environment, including attraction marquees, thematic props, detailed sculptures, and numerous animatronics throughout the land.
Themics' work included wooden themed scenic elements throughout Valgard: Realm of the VikingsImage courtesy of Themics
Guests entering Valgard are greeted by a fortified Viking settlement, featuring a wooden fort with a guard tower and defensive walls adorned with shield details.
The story unfolds through the entrance experiences of Drakon, Raven, and Vild Swing.
Drakon is Paultons Park's first inverted coaster, featuring a striking marquee topped by a fierce dragon with glowing eyes.
A signature feature is the lift hill, powered by Valbaa the sheep, who runs inside an animated wheel as trains go up—creating an interactive spectacle for visitors.
Valbaa the sheep runs inside the animated wheel, appearing to power Paultons Park's new Drakon coasterImage courtesy of Themics
Handcrafted features, animatronics, and interactive storytelling
A key aspect of Valgard’s character is its timber architecture. Themics created a variety of wooden themed scenic elements, including a fully handcrafted shattered Viking boat that was built, painted, and aged in-house.
These custom carpentry pieces enhance the land's authenticity and help establish a cohesive, lived-in Viking look.
Complementing the timber structures are stone-look sculptures, carefully hand-sculpted in the Philippines. These include the imposing entrance statues guarding Valgard and carved relic stones illustrating ancient stories of the realm.
The imposing entrance statues guarding Valgard at Pautlons Park were hand-sculpted by the Themics team in the PhilippinesImage courtesy of Themics
With weathered detailing, these pieces enhance the environment with a sense of monumentality and storytelling depth.
Themics installed and integrated over fifteen animatronics and animated props throughout the park. Key features include animated ravens on the reimagined Raven coaster (formerly Cobra), now with immersive theming at the entry, queue, and station.
Among these is Skald, an AI-powered interactive raven that interacts directly with visitors, providing dynamic responses and boosting immersion.
The Themics team also provided Skald, an AI-powered interactive raven that interacts with guests in the new Valgard land at Pautlons ParkImage courtesy of Themics
The area is also enhanced by the ART Engineering Vild Swing, which incorporates themed trolls in its queue, adding charm and humour.
Close client engagement
From early design through production to final on-site installation, Themics collaborated closely with the Paultons Park team.
A structured process of regular progress reporting was established, offering detailed updates on each line item in relation to the approved design intent. This ongoing transparency kept all elements aligned with the original creative vision.
At each stage of production—shop drawings, sculpting, detailing, and finishing—formal approval from the client was required for each line item before proceeding to the next phase.
This strict approval system enabled accurate feedback and modifications regarding scale, colour, texture, and finish, allowing for early and efficient adjustments.
Additionally, factory mock-ups were created for each item, regardless of size or complexity. These mock-ups allowed the team to check dimensions, construction techniques, and finishing quality beforehand, ensuring that all parts were properly assembled and met approved standards.
The £12 million Viking-themed expansion is the largest single investment in the history of Paultons ParkImage courtesy of Themics
Consequently, on-site installation was smoother and free of unexpected issues.
Throughout the process, Themics maintained close contact with the client through regular meetings and video calls, enabling early engagement, quick decision-making, and transparent issue resolution.
"Valgard would not be the same without the contribution of Themics," says Lawrence Mancey, marketing and technology director at Paultons Park.
"Their craftsmanship, creativity and passion can be seen throughout the area, from the intricate decorative details to the impressive animatronics that help bring the story of Valgard to life. The team were fantastic to work with throughout the project, always collaborative, responsive and committed to delivering a high-quality result.
"We are delighted with the finished product, and the reaction from our guests has been exceptional."
Finally, Themics assigned an on-site team to manage installation, assembly, and finishing. The team also programmed and tested all animatronics to ensure smooth integration and reliable performance for opening day.
Other themed lands that the company has recently contributed to include Avalon at Toverland in the Netherlands.
