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Blackpool Pleasure Beach: 2021 Discussion

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So I'm planning to go to Blackpool on Monday 10th July, its my first visit there in 8 years. Anything I should consider? park should be open 10-6, although I'm aware they might start closing early!
 
Start of the Scottish summer invasion, and a possibility of the last of the local school trips.
Early closing would only happen at this time of year if it chucks it down with rain.
Save Big One and Icon for later, the queue for these usually gets shorter as the day wears on.
Don't forget to ride the National, then moan like hell that it is the roughest ever, and you are never going on it again.
Like shakey does, every last time.
 
I’d be quite shocked if it was removed, to be honest; as much as I’m not a fan of Nash at all, it is listed, and it’s one of the few remaining roller coasters of its type; Blackpool cares about its history. Besides, surely the furious backlash from Mouse’s removal alone would have put Blackpool off removing another woodie by stealth?

I wouldn’t be too shocked, however, if it was refurbished. I’m not talking about an RMC refurbishment, I’m talking about a major retrack of some form, but keeping the same layout and keeping the ride a wooden coaster, with some new trains possibly being added too. With some rejuvenation of this style, I honestly think National could go from one of my least favourite roller coasters to one of my favourite!
 
Not in the camp thinking the National is going anywhere, but if the risk averse nature of the company that led to the downfall of the rodent persists, it seems almost certain that you can't run that ride as is for too long.

venny said:
Saw them stacked high on the Prom last weekend. I counted about ten that were actually on hire when we passed.
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Walked Starr Gate to Cleveleys today, there were about 50 on hire which I don't think is too bad going for a Thursday.

One thing that always amazes me on that walk is just how much seafront there is at Blackpool, keeping the infrastructure in any fit state is almost impossible, there's just so much iron and steel.

Nowhere better to mention but noticed Kiddies Corner has been removed as I wandered into Cleveleys, was somewhat a shadow of its former self but now it's seemingly gone, at the back end of last year according to local press. Some good childhood members of that place. Pizza Hut gone too, along with the FEC attempt "Knuckleheads".

 
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Visited today, managed 16 rides and avoided any showers which was a bonus.

Park is what it is, a bit run down in places and a few going about that need to be that bit louder than everyone else but as long as you go there expecting its bad points it's a great day out and well worth a visit.

First experience on Icon and have to say that's right up there with the best towers has to offer. Smooth as you like, great operations, theming and one you can really enjoy from start to finish.

Infusion and some of the older wooden coasters are rickety but all good fun.

What BPB does well is those 'filler rides' such as avatar, river caves and Wallace & Gromit which were all better than anticipated.

Have seen the restaurant Coasters getting panned on trip advisor in particular but my experience today was decent quality food, smooth service and really well priced. Hopefully any issues they might have had are resolved now.

Icon though, what a ride!
 
Going on it immediately after Big Dipper is always going to highlight its smoothness!

Reminded me a bit of Shambala at Puertaventura which I'd rate as my favourite.

After today I'd put Icon right up there alongside The Smiler (more marmite for people) as favourite in the UK.

After riding Infusion today I've a new found appreciation for Nemesis too. Similar style ride but Nemesis is like velvet compared to Infusion.
 
Ally said:
Going on it immediately after Big Dipper is always going to highlight its smoothness!

Reminded me a bit of Shambala at Puertaventura which I'd rate as my favourite.
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Except that Shambala is far more exciting, has decent drops and can be seen from all around!
 
Finally going to Blackpool for a few days this weekend, not been since last September so hopefully it'll be quiet on the Friday at least. Probably do the merlin attractions for the first time since 2019 as well.
 
Blackpool latest accounts and full auditors report are in at last, and as suspected it's yet another bad year.

Operating loss: £922,000
Total overall loss: £2,021,000

So another £2million loss up to the 22nd March 2020 - So this is pre covid !

Another drop in attendance which was again attributed to Weather, Brexit, Economy and Terrorism .

They have had only 2 overall profitable years since 2005 and in that time have lost more than £19million.

They really need a good 2021.

Full report available at companies house
https://find-and-update.company-information.service.gov.uk/company/01876267/filing-history
 
It'll be interesting to see what the temporary loss of Valhalla contributes to mitigating the losses somewhat. I can't imagine it tipping the scales into profits, but surely the operational costs will make a dent in reducing the losses.
 
I’d also imagine that a private family owned business such as BPB fudges their profitability figures down a bit for tax purposes. Happens all the time. Wouldn’t be surprised if things in reality weren’t as dire as the accounts suggest.

I do also wonder how much of that £2m could be wiped out with an end to the Nickelodeon licensing fees, and how many people the park actually think the IP draws in.
 
MakoMania said:
I’d also imagine that a private family owned business such as BPB fudges their profitability figures down a bit for tax purposes.
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Can anyone advise if I’m understanding correctly that page 3 suggests these figures include £3.9m in asset depreciation? That’s recorded as an expense so could tip the park to profitability if you took that out. The accounts say their amusement devices are recorded as depreciating at a constant 20-50% each year

(I appreciate that depreciation is a genuine accounting practice and expense, but it’s interesting to think how the park might be otherwise operating at a profit if you squint)
 
It’s sad to see them making a loss even before covid was a thing. Especially since they are making an operating loss too. It’s not as though they are doing well but their debt payments are dragging them down (which could potentially be solved by renegotiating the debts), in the basic day to day activity of selling tickets/food etc versus their costs they are still making a loss.

It also states a 10% drop in attendance for 2019, looking at the comparison for Alton Towers based on the figures Merlin recently released they experienced an increase of around 10% in 2019, so the Brexit excuse might not really stack up.
 
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