Thrill-seekers, get ready. Alton Towers has announced its 2023 re-opening date and the schedule of events that the theme park is planning for the year ahead.
Hailing the new schedule as "never-ending fun and thrills for 2023", the packed line-up means it's not just world-class rollercoasters on the agenda when you head to the park. Guests can expect to be immersed into a whole world of events and live entertainment.
There will be a return of Mardi Gras, Oktoberfest, the award-winning Scarefest and Fireworks Spectacular, plus Festival of Thrills is back for its second year with an exciting Smiler-themed takeover for 2023.
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So, just when does the fun begin? The theme park has confirmed that it will re-open from Saturday, March 18. There are also brand new annual pass options for those who just can't stay away. The silver annual pass will allow a year full of fun for £99 and passholders can access the events on selected days too.
Chris Carter, events and entertainments director at Alton Towers Resort, said: "We are dedicated to creating a much-needed form of escape for families and thrill-seekers and this year, we plan to host non-stop fun and thrills throughout the entire season. We are excited to see the return of our popular Mardi Gras, Oktoberfest, award-winning Scarefest and mind-blowing fireworks spectacular, as well as welcome Festival of Thrills back for a second year with a special Smiler celebration.
"All of our events will have exciting new live entertainment, fabulous, themed food and drink and with our fantastic rides and attractions, we're sure our guests will love the resort's incredible line-up this season."
Here's what 2023 events include
February half-term, Pirate Takeover from Saturday, February 11 to Sunday, February 26
While the theme park won't open until March 18, there is a chance to enjoy a few hours at Mutiny Bay and Towers Street. The resort says that this February half-term guests can join Captain Black and his motley crew as the infamous pirates of Mutiny Bay take over. Have a swashbuckling overnight stay with breakfast, live entertainment, entry to the waterpark, nine holes of extraordinary golf, a treasure hunt and access to rides and attractions in Mutiny Bay. For the first time, guests can also enjoy an exciting pirate adventure for a few hours as Mutiny Bay and Towers Street open to day guests.
Festival of Thrills – the Smiler takeover from Monday, April 17 to Sunday, May 7
Festival of Thrills is back for its second year inviting thrill-seekers to take on the resort's rollercoasters but with a twist – the Smiler takeover. Get ready for a series of marmalising experiences dedicated to the Smiler in its 10th year.
Mardi Gras from Saturday, May 20 to Sunday, June 18
Mardi Gras is set to return with food, drink and live entertainment. The carnival-inspired takeover is set to dazzle as the Mardi Gras Krewes return with brand-new, high-energy entertainment. Food Street will be jam-packed with themed food from around the world, all with the backdrop of the theme park's world-class rollercoasters and fantabulous family faves.
Oktoberfest from Saturday, September 9 to Sunday, October 1
Oktoberfest will return to the resort as it's transformed into a Bavarian-themed destination, complete with Lederhosen-clad hosts, lots of live entertainment, German-themed food and drink, plus the chance to ride world-class rollercoasters and family favourite attractions.
Scarefest on Saturday and Sunday, October 7 and 8, and from Friday, 13 – Tuesday, October 31
The season for spooktacular fun, spinetingling scares and rides in the dark is back as the award-winning Scarefest returns. The home of Halloween will host terrifying scare mazes with brand-new creepy scares, shocks and spooktacular thrills, more live entertainment across the Resort, plus Monster Ball returns for those brave youngsters. Open until 9pm each day, daring guests can face head-spinning, hair-raising rides and attractions in darkness including Wicker Man and the Alton Towers Dungeon!
Fireworks from Friday, November 3 to Sunday, November 5
With brand new special effects, the dazzling display will light up the sky to music and live action storytelling. Don't miss out on this final opportunity to ride world-class rollercoasters in the dark before the season ends
Christmas from Friday, November 24 to Saturday, December 30
Make magical memories this Christmas as Alton Towers resort is transformed into the ultimate Christmassy escape with festive celebrations and seasonal sensations. If one day just isn't enough, guests can extend their stay with an overnight stay at the resort's iconic themed accommodation. From the UK's only CBeebies Land Hotel and Caribbean-themed Splash Landings Hotel, to enchanting log cabins and the eccentric Alton Towers Hotel, there are six delightfully themed accommodations to choose from, and with a buffet breakfast, live evening entertainment, free parking and a free round of extraordinary golf, it's the perfect escape for friends and families. More information about the 2023 events programme is available on the Alton Towers website: Our Special Theme Park Events | Alton Towers Resort. For more information annual passes, visit Annual Passes | Alton Towers Resort
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