Blackpool Pleasure beach has launched an investigation after visitors claim they had to hand in their digital cameras during the theme park’s opening weekend. Following the incidents the park has insisted that “there has been no change” to its on site camera policy.
Hundreds queued up on Saturday, March 18, to be among the first have a go on Blackpool’s famous rides when the new season launched. But park bosses were forced to take to Twitter after one visitor said they had their DSLR camera confiscated upon arrival at Pleasure Beach, LancsLive reports.
Marcus Gear (@MarcusMagician) took to Twitter after he was told his device was 'apparently banned'. He tweeted: "Made it in to @Pleasure_Beach. Got my digital camera confiscated, apparently they are banned? Have to pick it up later, never knew that?"
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Fellow theme park goers shared their own confusing experiences in the comments section. Many thrill seekers called on Pleasure Beach to provide answers on the alleged change to its park rules. One fellow theme park enthusiast added that he was supposedly told the apparent tightening of on site camera usage was in a bid to 'clamp down on vloggers'.
The tweet, posted by user @Shutterbugking, reads: "I was told this morning that I wasn't allowed my DSLR as its classed as a media camera. I asked why and they said they have been told to clamp down on vloggers.
"After a chat they let me take it in but they said this will be fully banned soon. This was via the hotel entrance."
Another Twitter user, @Mattemleh added: "An odd move given cameras are so accessible, not just for professionals but for vloggers and influencers who are a core part of any successful theme park marketing strategy!"
@LoopsandLapbars wrote: "I'd be massively disappointed if I could no longer being my camera along as I love taking photos of the rides and such. I'd happily jump through any hoops they required to make sure I'm in keeping with their rules too. It might weed out the rule breakers that I saw today too."
Many continued to comment questions over the supposed change. Shortly after, Blackpool Pleasure Beach issued their own string of tweets to clear up the confusion.
A park spokesperson said: "We're aware of information circulating regarding cameras at the Park. For clarity, there has been no change to our policy on cameras entering the Park for our guests from last season. Teams have been re-briefed and we apologise for any confusion.
"GoPro, DSLR, and mobile photo/video recording is permitted in public areas and off-ride only. No guests may enter a restricted area. No tripods are permitted. Any recording or photography for commercial/broadcast purposes must be pre-arranged with our press office.
"Our ethos is 'we create the fun, you keep the memories', and we love seeing our guests share those memories online for their family, friends and followers."
A spokesperson from Blackpool Pleasure Beach told LancsLive: "It isn't our policy to stop guests bringing DSLR cameras onto site and we are currently investigating to find out why this happened. Our team members will be re-briefed on the correct procedure for allowing photography equipment onto the park. To reiterate, we love to see our guests sharing their memories online for family, friends, and followers through photos and video."
The Blackpool Pleasure website stipulates: "No filming of any kind is allowed on any Blackpool Beach rides, including using Go-Pros and similar devices or handheld extension poles for cameras and cell phones. We have ride photography available for purchase on selected rides."
Selfie sticks are not permitted and it is outlined that "Blackpool Pleasure Beach is a no-fly drone zone. Anyone found flying a drone over Blackpool Pleasure Beach will face legal action."
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