Thorpe Park - Twenty Years of Terror!
To celebrate the 20th year of Fright Nights at Thorpe Park, we take a look back at some of the attractions that have come and gone at the park over the years
2002 Attractions: The Freezer, Freakshow 3D, Scare Zone
Shows: None
To help them kick off their event in style, Thorpe called upon industry legend Lynton V Harris to design two very different mazes.
The Freezer was definitely the most intense attraction of the two and rather uniquely, was a real maze with dead ends. This created a great sense of panic as visitors tried desperately to get out. Freakshow on the other hand was a much steadier pace and although it had its fair share of scares – was the weaker of the two. The design and effort that went into these temporary attractions was incredible from the flashing lights and fog effects on the Freezer entrance door to the intricately painted 3D walls of the Freakshow, built in part of the unused queue line tunnels for X:/No Way Out.
Between the 2 attractions, the park tried to create a scare zone but this wasn’t really successful. Poorly lit, badly staffed with just 1 or 2 monsters and lacking in any real atmosphere, it ended up creating a jam of people in a part of the park that was particularly busy in the first place.
Shows: None
To help them kick off their event in style, Thorpe called upon industry legend Lynton V Harris to design two very different mazes.
The Freezer was definitely the most intense attraction of the two and rather uniquely, was a real maze with dead ends. This created a great sense of panic as visitors tried desperately to get out. Freakshow on the other hand was a much steadier pace and although it had its fair share of scares – was the weaker of the two. The design and effort that went into these temporary attractions was incredible from the flashing lights and fog effects on the Freezer entrance door to the intricately painted 3D walls of the Freakshow, built in part of the unused queue line tunnels for X:/No Way Out.
Between the 2 attractions, the park tried to create a scare zone but this wasn’t really successful. Poorly lit, badly staffed with just 1 or 2 monsters and lacking in any real atmosphere, it ended up creating a jam of people in a part of the park that was particularly busy in the first place.
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2003 Atractions: The Freezer, Freakshow 3D
Shows: Horror Movie Bites
The main change in 2003 was that The Freezer was converted into a single path around the attraction. This made it easier to control traffic flow and ensure everyone was heading in the right way. It was also noticeable that some of the faster chaotic actors from 2002 had been replaced by slower moving zombies who tried to perfect a more intimate close up scare. Freakshow was stronger than previous years but still seemed to be the junior attraction compared to Freezer.
Over at the 4D cinema, the park experimented with the Horror Movie Bites show, which showed iconic clips from classic horror movies. This was a very lacklustre show with the only great effect coming when the film “broke down” during Texas Chainsaw Massacre and an actor dressed as Leatherface came out brandishing a chainsaw!
Shows: Horror Movie Bites
The main change in 2003 was that The Freezer was converted into a single path around the attraction. This made it easier to control traffic flow and ensure everyone was heading in the right way. It was also noticeable that some of the faster chaotic actors from 2002 had been replaced by slower moving zombies who tried to perfect a more intimate close up scare. Freakshow was stronger than previous years but still seemed to be the junior attraction compared to Freezer.
Over at the 4D cinema, the park experimented with the Horror Movie Bites show, which showed iconic clips from classic horror movies. This was a very lacklustre show with the only great effect coming when the film “broke down” during Texas Chainsaw Massacre and an actor dressed as Leatherface came out brandishing a chainsaw!
2004 Attractions: The Freezer, Freakshow 3D
Shows: Carnival of the Bizarre by Circus of Horrors
In 2004, the Horror Move Bites show left and the Circus of Horrors moved in. Broken down into small 15-minute shows, the anarchic circus featured many gruesome and gory acts including Gary Stretch the man with the stretchiest skin, magic tricks, and more. Set in the Pirates 4D theatre the show even used some of the in-seat effects to startle audiences when their attention had started to wane.
The mazes themselves remained very similar to previous years.
Shows: Carnival of the Bizarre by Circus of Horrors
In 2004, the Horror Move Bites show left and the Circus of Horrors moved in. Broken down into small 15-minute shows, the anarchic circus featured many gruesome and gory acts including Gary Stretch the man with the stretchiest skin, magic tricks, and more. Set in the Pirates 4D theatre the show even used some of the in-seat effects to startle audiences when their attention had started to wane.
The mazes themselves remained very similar to previous years.
2005 Attractions: Asylum, Hellgate, Pass holder ghost walk
Shows: Carnival of the Bizarre by Circus of Horrors, False Sense of Security movie
In 2005 –Hellgate and the Asylum were introduced to mixed reception. After the elaborate nature of Freakshow, Hellgate seemed a bit dark and uneventful and Asylum was really just a rebranded Freezer. The route around the attraction was reversed, which even to this day doesn’t work as well as the original layout.
A False Sense of Security, filmed especially at Thorpe Park was shown a few times but due to lack of organisation hardly anyone knew anything about it. The film suffered when wind created a huge tear in the screen and as such it could not be shown for several of the nights.
A few lucky passholders were also able to experience a small intimate ghost tour along the dark railway tracks along the famously haunted Monk’s Walk. An actor dressed as a monk retold stories of some of the ghostly events that have happened at the park, but due to the lights and noise of nearby rides and the regular police patrols stopping youths from jumping over the fence for free, it was quite difficult to follow what was going on. We kept expecting a real scare along the way but alas, nothing happened!
Shows: Carnival of the Bizarre by Circus of Horrors, False Sense of Security movie
In 2005 –Hellgate and the Asylum were introduced to mixed reception. After the elaborate nature of Freakshow, Hellgate seemed a bit dark and uneventful and Asylum was really just a rebranded Freezer. The route around the attraction was reversed, which even to this day doesn’t work as well as the original layout.
A False Sense of Security, filmed especially at Thorpe Park was shown a few times but due to lack of organisation hardly anyone knew anything about it. The film suffered when wind created a huge tear in the screen and as such it could not be shown for several of the nights.
A few lucky passholders were also able to experience a small intimate ghost tour along the dark railway tracks along the famously haunted Monk’s Walk. An actor dressed as a monk retold stories of some of the ghostly events that have happened at the park, but due to the lights and noise of nearby rides and the regular police patrols stopping youths from jumping over the fence for free, it was quite difficult to follow what was going on. We kept expecting a real scare along the way but alas, nothing happened!
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2006 Attractions: Asylum, Hellgate, Seven
Shows: Carnival of the Bizarre by Circus of Horrors
This year saw a lot of maze investment with both Asylum and Hellgate getting some attention during the off season as well as the debut of Se7en a beautifully themed (but not inherently scary) attraction based round the 7 deadly sins. The new maze failed to live up to the experience of the other 2 and was slightly disappointing. Meanwhile, Circus of the Bizarre had been let loose into the park which allowed more up close and dangerous stunts and effects.
To see our review of 2006 - click here
Shows: Carnival of the Bizarre by Circus of Horrors
This year saw a lot of maze investment with both Asylum and Hellgate getting some attention during the off season as well as the debut of Se7en a beautifully themed (but not inherently scary) attraction based round the 7 deadly sins. The new maze failed to live up to the experience of the other 2 and was slightly disappointing. Meanwhile, Circus of the Bizarre had been let loose into the park which allowed more up close and dangerous stunts and effects.
To see our review of 2006 - click here
2007 Attractions: Asylum, Hellgate, Seven
Shows: Carnival of the Bizarre by Circus of Horrors
With nothing new to arrive – 2007 had every opportunity to just be repeat of 2006. Fortunately an updated Hellgate really bumped up the scare factor and with the Asylum giving us a real shock (we finally saw the chainsaw finale) both these mazes had us running for the exits.
Se7en recieved a few changes to some scenes but remained a slow attraction compared to its older siblings.
To see our review of 2007 - click here
Shows: Carnival of the Bizarre by Circus of Horrors
With nothing new to arrive – 2007 had every opportunity to just be repeat of 2006. Fortunately an updated Hellgate really bumped up the scare factor and with the Asylum giving us a real shock (we finally saw the chainsaw finale) both these mazes had us running for the exits.
Se7en recieved a few changes to some scenes but remained a slow attraction compared to its older siblings.
To see our review of 2007 - click here
2008 Attractions: Asylum, Hellgate, Seven, The Curse
Shows: Carnival of the Bizarre by Circus of Horrors
With the addition of the fourth scare attraction, Thorpe was starting to become a real destination for Halloween fun. Built in a marquee on the beach, The Curse brought detailed theming and back-story and some fun new effects. The only real criticism being that however good it was inside – it still just looked like a marquee on the beach!
All the other mazes performed well in 2008 - even Se7en had upped the scare factor a bit more!
Shows: Carnival of the Bizarre by Circus of Horrors
With the addition of the fourth scare attraction, Thorpe was starting to become a real destination for Halloween fun. Built in a marquee on the beach, The Curse brought detailed theming and back-story and some fun new effects. The only real criticism being that however good it was inside – it still just looked like a marquee on the beach!
All the other mazes performed well in 2008 - even Se7en had upped the scare factor a bit more!
2009 Attractions: Asylum, Hellgate, Seven, The Curse, Saw: The Ride Live
Shows: Saw Movie Bites
With the arrival of Saw the Ride we were all expecting something cool for Halloween. Since opening in March, the ride restriction notices warned of live actors in the queue but this rarely happened during normal operation. For Halloween, the addition of pig masked/faced mutants certainly added to the scare factor of the queuing experience.
This was the year when Se7en turned out to be the scariest maze of the four due to some lively actors and enthusiastic staff. This was a complete contrast to the Asylum and Hellgate and the Curse which seemed dull and listless. Most of the climbing/swinging had been stopped at the parks request and the resulting attractions were poorer for it.
Hell Freezes Over was a seasonal overlay of Nemesis Inferno which saw blue filters in the tunnel and a new ride score and station announcement. It was a fun addition to the event and made a night-time ride even more special.
Show wise, the Circus of Horrors couldn’t come back this year and as such Saw Movie Bites, played key clips form the Saw series in the 4d cinema.
To see our review of 2009 - click here
Shows: Saw Movie Bites
With the arrival of Saw the Ride we were all expecting something cool for Halloween. Since opening in March, the ride restriction notices warned of live actors in the queue but this rarely happened during normal operation. For Halloween, the addition of pig masked/faced mutants certainly added to the scare factor of the queuing experience.
This was the year when Se7en turned out to be the scariest maze of the four due to some lively actors and enthusiastic staff. This was a complete contrast to the Asylum and Hellgate and the Curse which seemed dull and listless. Most of the climbing/swinging had been stopped at the parks request and the resulting attractions were poorer for it.
Hell Freezes Over was a seasonal overlay of Nemesis Inferno which saw blue filters in the tunnel and a new ride score and station announcement. It was a fun addition to the event and made a night-time ride even more special.
Show wise, the Circus of Horrors couldn’t come back this year and as such Saw Movie Bites, played key clips form the Saw series in the 4d cinema.
To see our review of 2009 - click here
2010 Attractions: Asylum, Hellgate, Seven, The Curse, Saw Alive, Dead End: Terror Zone
Shows: Barry and Stuart- extreme magicians
In 2010, the park experimented with a live scare attraction to be open all year round. Tied in to the Saw movies, the attraction proved popular which just went to show that scares are not just for Halloween. Clearly keeping this attraction open for Fright Nights meant a 5th maze to the scare line-up but Thorpe decided to do more. Utilising a small path way, they tried to create a scare zone as are often found in big US theme parks. The theme was of a ride graveyard and old props and ride vehicles were left scattered around the area but with a handful of actors and a clear “path” through, the attraction was lacklustre and failed to thrill.
Fortunately some of the criticisms of the other mazes over recent years had been corrected and all 5 delivered sustained scares and screams. Ignoring the scare zone this was probably the scariest year yet!
In the theatre – Barry and Stuart performed some of their unique blend of macabre magic.
To see our review of 2010 - click here
Shows: Barry and Stuart- extreme magicians
In 2010, the park experimented with a live scare attraction to be open all year round. Tied in to the Saw movies, the attraction proved popular which just went to show that scares are not just for Halloween. Clearly keeping this attraction open for Fright Nights meant a 5th maze to the scare line-up but Thorpe decided to do more. Utilising a small path way, they tried to create a scare zone as are often found in big US theme parks. The theme was of a ride graveyard and old props and ride vehicles were left scattered around the area but with a handful of actors and a clear “path” through, the attraction was lacklustre and failed to thrill.
Fortunately some of the criticisms of the other mazes over recent years had been corrected and all 5 delivered sustained scares and screams. Ignoring the scare zone this was probably the scariest year yet!
In the theatre – Barry and Stuart performed some of their unique blend of macabre magic.
To see our review of 2010 - click here
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2011 Attractions: Asylum, Seven, The Curse, Saw Alive, Experiment 10
Shows: Barry and Stuart
Earlier in the year, Thorpe Park announced a terrifying new attraction for 2011 but no one could have expected that Hellgate was going to leave at the same time. Seven moved out of the arena to allow room for the shipping containers holding Experiment 10 - a bold attraction that involved groups being separated and locked into individual rooms for part of the experience. Depending on how the group was split, guests would experience different elements in the maze before meeting up for an intense and loud strobe lit finale. Like most "trick" mazes - once you had done the maze once, the surprise was gone but fortunately the actors were generally pretty lively to make up for it.
Hellgate remained boarded up for the year and the three other mazes all provided quality scare experiences with minimal changes throughout. For the first time - the park had some roaming characters walking around the park with a large birthday cake to celebrate the tenth anniversary of Fright Nights.
To see our review of 2011 - click here
Shows: Barry and Stuart
Earlier in the year, Thorpe Park announced a terrifying new attraction for 2011 but no one could have expected that Hellgate was going to leave at the same time. Seven moved out of the arena to allow room for the shipping containers holding Experiment 10 - a bold attraction that involved groups being separated and locked into individual rooms for part of the experience. Depending on how the group was split, guests would experience different elements in the maze before meeting up for an intense and loud strobe lit finale. Like most "trick" mazes - once you had done the maze once, the surprise was gone but fortunately the actors were generally pretty lively to make up for it.
Hellgate remained boarded up for the year and the three other mazes all provided quality scare experiences with minimal changes throughout. For the first time - the park had some roaming characters walking around the park with a large birthday cake to celebrate the tenth anniversary of Fright Nights.
To see our review of 2011 - click here
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ScareTOUR's exclusive behind the scenes tour of Experiment 10
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2012 Attractions: Asylum, Seven, The Curse, Saw Alive, Experiment 10, The Passing
Shows: The Governor
At the start of the season, Saw Alive opened with the park but within a few weeks was unceremoniously dropped from the regular line up. Signs outside the attraction said it would return for Fright Nights which it did alongside the Asylum, The Curse and Experiment 10. After 6 years, it was time for Seven to leave the park and as Halloween approached a new up-charge attraction The Passing was introduced.
Like Experiment 10 the year before, The Passing had a number of new "tricks" which worked to a degree the first time but would fail to ignite on subsequent visits. The hoods were cumbersome and unnecessary in a pitch black maze and the crawling felt uncomfortable in places (especially crawling DOWN a slope). The trick ending fooled us the first time but by the time the news of the ending had spread, any surprise had been ruined.
Following the roaming characters of last year, cast of sack headed inmates led by the evil Governor were often seen out and about and would perform cruel but fun set of stunts in the main dome, creating the impression that the whole park was a correctional facility on lockdown.
To see our review of 2012 - click here
Shows: The Governor
At the start of the season, Saw Alive opened with the park but within a few weeks was unceremoniously dropped from the regular line up. Signs outside the attraction said it would return for Fright Nights which it did alongside the Asylum, The Curse and Experiment 10. After 6 years, it was time for Seven to leave the park and as Halloween approached a new up-charge attraction The Passing was introduced.
Like Experiment 10 the year before, The Passing had a number of new "tricks" which worked to a degree the first time but would fail to ignite on subsequent visits. The hoods were cumbersome and unnecessary in a pitch black maze and the crawling felt uncomfortable in places (especially crawling DOWN a slope). The trick ending fooled us the first time but by the time the news of the ending had spread, any surprise had been ruined.
Following the roaming characters of last year, cast of sack headed inmates led by the evil Governor were often seen out and about and would perform cruel but fun set of stunts in the main dome, creating the impression that the whole park was a correctional facility on lockdown.
To see our review of 2012 - click here
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2013 Attractions: The Cabin in The Woods, My Bloody Valentine, Saw Alive, Blair Witch Project, The Asylum
Shows: You're Next roaming charcaters, Director icon character
"Forget everything you thought you knew about Fright Nights as a new age of live action horror is unleashed upon the nation's Thrill Capital, Thorpe Park. Beware of what lurks in the shadows as the UK's most chilling Halloween event is revamped by some of the most disturbed minds in horror"
With these words - Fright Nights launched the first of a multi year licensing deal to bring some of Hollywood's most famous horror movies to life in 3 mazes and walkthrough scarezone. It is believed that another major horror icon was due to make an appearance and would have populated the space where Asylum sits. We're not sure of the full reasons why, but in the end The Asylum appeared for one last year. The attraction was subject to a complaint from mental health charities and it was clear that its days were numbered.
Around the park, in keeping with the new movie tie-in, a movie director icon character was created as well as a You're Next roaming scarezone/horde.
2013 Fright Nights review
Shows: You're Next roaming charcaters, Director icon character
"Forget everything you thought you knew about Fright Nights as a new age of live action horror is unleashed upon the nation's Thrill Capital, Thorpe Park. Beware of what lurks in the shadows as the UK's most chilling Halloween event is revamped by some of the most disturbed minds in horror"
With these words - Fright Nights launched the first of a multi year licensing deal to bring some of Hollywood's most famous horror movies to life in 3 mazes and walkthrough scarezone. It is believed that another major horror icon was due to make an appearance and would have populated the space where Asylum sits. We're not sure of the full reasons why, but in the end The Asylum appeared for one last year. The attraction was subject to a complaint from mental health charities and it was clear that its days were numbered.
Around the park, in keeping with the new movie tie-in, a movie director icon character was created as well as a You're Next roaming scarezone/horde.
2013 Fright Nights review
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2014 Attractions: Studio 13, The Cabin in The Woods, My Bloody Valentine, Saw Alive, Blair Witch Project
Shows: Roaming scare pack
In 2014 - the park's oldest maze Asylum (nee The Freezer) laid down and quietly slipped away. In its place came Studio 13. Designed to be the iconic studio that created all the movies, the attraction took guests through sets and backstage of a Hollywood studio film as they filmed a gonzo horror flick called The Motel. The attraction had some very impressive scenery and lively characters.
Elsewhere in the park - the remaining mazes all returned and Blair Witch Project was given makeover to create a more atmospheric and scary experience. The You're Next charcaters were replaced by a roaming horde with chainsaws and weapons...
2014 Fright Nights review
Shows: Roaming scare pack
In 2014 - the park's oldest maze Asylum (nee The Freezer) laid down and quietly slipped away. In its place came Studio 13. Designed to be the iconic studio that created all the movies, the attraction took guests through sets and backstage of a Hollywood studio film as they filmed a gonzo horror flick called The Motel. The attraction had some very impressive scenery and lively characters.
Elsewhere in the park - the remaining mazes all returned and Blair Witch Project was given makeover to create a more atmospheric and scary experience. The You're Next charcaters were replaced by a roaming horde with chainsaws and weapons...
2014 Fright Nights review
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2015 Attractions: The Big Top, The Cabin in The Woods, My Bloody Valentine, Saw Alive, Blair Witch Project
Shows: The Night Terrors roaming horde
2015 saw the venue that used to hold the Asylum and Studio 13, converted into the year round I’m a Celebrity Get me Out of Here maze. Because of the placement, the park needed a new location and as such, the theme of The Big Top was created. Unusually this attraction utilised both side of the parks’ beach area, with an outside section between the two circus tents. Sadly the shape of the tents and the outdoor sections were too open to be genuinely scary and the big new maze was ultimately disappointing.
With the arena area closed for construction of Derren Brown’s Ghost Train, My Bloody Valentine was moved to a new location across the park, and as a part of the relocation – lost one of the containers. Apart from the shortened intro – the maze remained pretty much as in previous years. In a surprise, Saw Alive provided one of the liveliest scares of the event. We put this down to the maze getting a whole review as part of ScareCON a few months before, with a new team really making the most of the aging attraction. Elsewhere, Cabin In the Woods and Blair Witch returned as previously.
2015 Fright Nights review
Shows: The Night Terrors roaming horde
2015 saw the venue that used to hold the Asylum and Studio 13, converted into the year round I’m a Celebrity Get me Out of Here maze. Because of the placement, the park needed a new location and as such, the theme of The Big Top was created. Unusually this attraction utilised both side of the parks’ beach area, with an outside section between the two circus tents. Sadly the shape of the tents and the outdoor sections were too open to be genuinely scary and the big new maze was ultimately disappointing.
With the arena area closed for construction of Derren Brown’s Ghost Train, My Bloody Valentine was moved to a new location across the park, and as a part of the relocation – lost one of the containers. Apart from the shortened intro – the maze remained pretty much as in previous years. In a surprise, Saw Alive provided one of the liveliest scares of the event. We put this down to the maze getting a whole review as part of ScareCON a few months before, with a new team really making the most of the aging attraction. Elsewhere, Cabin In the Woods and Blair Witch returned as previously.
2015 Fright Nights review
2016 Attractions: Platform 15, The Big Top, The Cabin in The Woods, Saw Alive, Blair Witch
Shows: The Night Terrors roaming horde
2016 was the Fifteenth year of Fright Nights, and to celebrate the park created a brand new attraction – Platform 15. Not since the launch of The Big Top in 2014 – has an attraction been so universally panned by people . The concept was interesting and the use of the old train route created a long walk through abandoned woodland, followed by a long dark tunnel that ran under the Saw rollercoaster. The problem with Platform 15 was that the area was so large that it just seemed underpopulated throughout - and with batching issues, and a terrible ending – was a genuinely disappointing attraction.
Surprisingly – The Big Top, which had received bad reviews the year before, had moved to a new location in one marquee, and the relocation really helped condense the attraction into something more impressive. It was ironic that in the year they corrected one failing maze they added a new one!
Elsewhere Saw Alive, Cabin in the Woods and Blair Witch all provided solid entries to the line-up with Blair Witch Project getting a small name change to reflect the recently released movie sequel.
2016 Fright Nights review
Shows: The Night Terrors roaming horde
2016 was the Fifteenth year of Fright Nights, and to celebrate the park created a brand new attraction – Platform 15. Not since the launch of The Big Top in 2014 – has an attraction been so universally panned by people . The concept was interesting and the use of the old train route created a long walk through abandoned woodland, followed by a long dark tunnel that ran under the Saw rollercoaster. The problem with Platform 15 was that the area was so large that it just seemed underpopulated throughout - and with batching issues, and a terrible ending – was a genuinely disappointing attraction.
Surprisingly – The Big Top, which had received bad reviews the year before, had moved to a new location in one marquee, and the relocation really helped condense the attraction into something more impressive. It was ironic that in the year they corrected one failing maze they added a new one!
Elsewhere Saw Alive, Cabin in the Woods and Blair Witch all provided solid entries to the line-up with Blair Witch Project getting a small name change to reflect the recently released movie sequel.
2016 Fright Nights review
2017 - Platform 15, The Big Top, Saw Alive, The Walking Dead Living Nightmare, The Walking Dead Sanctum
Shows: Zombie roaming horde
2017 was officially the year that the zombies from the Walking Dead took over and we had no less than two mazes branded to the popular IP. Of the two it was clear that all the money had been spent on Living Nightmare, with Sanctum feeling quite thrown together and temporary in comparison.
After the disappointing ending to Platform 15 in its opening year, a number of new structures were added along the path to give better places for actors to hide, and this worked much better. This was also one of the strongest versions of Big Top over the last few years and ended up being the best maze of the event
2017 Review
Shows: Zombie roaming horde
2017 was officially the year that the zombies from the Walking Dead took over and we had no less than two mazes branded to the popular IP. Of the two it was clear that all the money had been spent on Living Nightmare, with Sanctum feeling quite thrown together and temporary in comparison.
After the disappointing ending to Platform 15 in its opening year, a number of new structures were added along the path to give better places for actors to hide, and this worked much better. This was also one of the strongest versions of Big Top over the last few years and ended up being the best maze of the event
2017 Review
2018 - Platform 15, Dead Creek Woods, Blair Witch, Vulcan Peak, Saw Alive, The Walking Dead:Living Nightmare, The Walking Dead: Do or Die, Containment,
Shows: Screamplexx Cinema, Big Top Showtime, Terror at Amity High
2018 was an eventful year for the park. Officially designated as the year of The Walking Dead, the park brought us Walking Dead The Ride. Walking Dead: Living Nightmare Extreme and the fun Zombie Hunt shoot them up attraction. Everything was looking good for Fright Nights, until the unthinkable happened - the park stretched themselves too far. The decision to add so many new mazes and bring back previously retired attractions such as Blair Witch all proved too much.
The two new mazes - Dead Creek Woods and Vulcan Peak were uninspiring, and the loss of The Big Top was sorely felt. The new Big Top Showtime show was fun but wasn't an adequate replacement for the lost maze. Recognising some of the issues of Sanctum in 2017, the maze was rejigged into Do Or Die and utilised some of the packing containers for more indoor scares. After all - one of the biggest complaints was that the park seemed to be relying on too many outdoor attractions.
Although individual attractions were enjoyable (well except Vulcan Peak!), the whole eventfelt very flat and uneventful. The gamble to add lots more content had clearly failed.
2018 Review
Shows: Screamplexx Cinema, Big Top Showtime, Terror at Amity High
2018 was an eventful year for the park. Officially designated as the year of The Walking Dead, the park brought us Walking Dead The Ride. Walking Dead: Living Nightmare Extreme and the fun Zombie Hunt shoot them up attraction. Everything was looking good for Fright Nights, until the unthinkable happened - the park stretched themselves too far. The decision to add so many new mazes and bring back previously retired attractions such as Blair Witch all proved too much.
The two new mazes - Dead Creek Woods and Vulcan Peak were uninspiring, and the loss of The Big Top was sorely felt. The new Big Top Showtime show was fun but wasn't an adequate replacement for the lost maze. Recognising some of the issues of Sanctum in 2017, the maze was rejigged into Do Or Die and utilised some of the packing containers for more indoor scares. After all - one of the biggest complaints was that the park seemed to be relying on too many outdoor attractions.
Although individual attractions were enjoyable (well except Vulcan Peak!), the whole eventfelt very flat and uneventful. The gamble to add lots more content had clearly failed.
2018 Review
2019 - Platform 15, Creek Freak Massacre, The Walking Dead Living Nightmare, The Walking Dead:Do or Die, Blair Witch, Containment
Shows: Screamplexx Cinema, Terror at Amity High: High School Sucks, Feared Five Challenge
Following the critical drubbing of the 2018 event - it was clear that the park focussed on a more streamlined offering , promising quality over quantity. The new maze Creek Freak Massacre built in the abandoned log flume queue, was described as their most extreme ever, and certainly impressed.
Elsewhere Blair Witch and Walking Dead Do or Die received a number of changes, and provide strong elements to the overall line up. This was definitely one of the stongest Fright Nights for a long time
2019 Review
Shows: Screamplexx Cinema, Terror at Amity High: High School Sucks, Feared Five Challenge
Following the critical drubbing of the 2018 event - it was clear that the park focussed on a more streamlined offering , promising quality over quantity. The new maze Creek Freak Massacre built in the abandoned log flume queue, was described as their most extreme ever, and certainly impressed.
Elsewhere Blair Witch and Walking Dead Do or Die received a number of changes, and provide strong elements to the overall line up. This was definitely one of the stongest Fright Nights for a long time
2019 Review
2020 - Platform 15, Roots of Evil, Fearstival Arena, Creek Freaks Unchainced, Swarm Invasion, Lycanthorpe Hight, Amity High
Shows: ScreamPlex Cinema, the Crows
Due to the Global Covid pandemic - Frights Nights in 2020 was run very differently with no indoor mazes and a bigger emphasis on open air scare zones. The more successful zones like Creak Freaks Unchained and Fearstival were thoroughly entertaining and guests would be treated to very different experiences each time they went through.
To reduce capacity the two mazes became pay extra but added some new effects to Platform 15 with a new extended finale and a new experience in Roots of Evil.
The change in feel and time of the event was very refreshing and it will be interesting to see how much of this different style of event continues for 2021
2020 Review
Shows: ScreamPlex Cinema, the Crows
Due to the Global Covid pandemic - Frights Nights in 2020 was run very differently with no indoor mazes and a bigger emphasis on open air scare zones. The more successful zones like Creak Freaks Unchained and Fearstival were thoroughly entertaining and guests would be treated to very different experiences each time they went through.
To reduce capacity the two mazes became pay extra but added some new effects to Platform 15 with a new extended finale and a new experience in Roots of Evil.
The change in feel and time of the event was very refreshing and it will be interesting to see how much of this different style of event continues for 2021
2020 Review
2021 - TBC
Shows: TBC
In May 2021, the park officially unveiled Black Mirror Labyrith based on the popular Netflix TV series.
Shows: TBC
In May 2021, the park officially unveiled Black Mirror Labyrith based on the popular Netflix TV series.
More information about Thorpe Park and this years Fright Nights' line up can be found at www.thorpe-park.com
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