Theme park invests £250,000 in new attraction

STAFFORDSHIRE theme park, Drayton Manor, is to invest £250,000 in a new attraction aimed at boosting visitor numbers for the forthcoming season.

The money is being invested in improving provision at the popular Thomas Land attraction.

The brand new James and the Red Balloon ride is set to open on Saturday April 1.

Based on the beloved Thomas & Friends character James, the Samba Balloon ride will be located at the heart of Thomas Land,

The extremely successful Thomas Land was launched by Drayton Manor Park in 2008 and recently underwent a £2.5m expansion, cementing its status in the hearts of visitors.
 
The latest addition, made by Italian manufacturer Zamperla, will take visitors on an adventure to the lofty heights of 1.5 metres with a maximum speed of 5.5 revolutions per minute (RPM) and entertain up to 500 riders an hour. Ride goers will get extensive views of Thomas Land as well as the rest of Drayton Manor Park.
 
The Tamworth-based family run and owned attraction appointed a number of local companies to assist with the build, including D.F Benistons, which completed the ground works and DJ Pope Creative, which designed and built the props and scenery.
 
William Bryan, managing director of Drayton Manor Park, said: “This was an exciting project involving local specialists and international partners that we hope will delight visitors from the UK and further afield. We cannot thank our team and valued partners enough for their hard work and determination.
 
“This is the next exciting step in the progression of Thomas Land and we look forward to seeing the joy on our visitors’ faces as they take to the skies in James and his Red Balloon.”

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