Drayton Manor Theme Park opens for its 60th Anniversary year

March 16, 2010 - PRLog -- Drayton Manor all set for its 60th year

Drayton Manor Theme Park, near Tamworth, Staffordshire, will launch its 60th Anniversary year on Saturday 20th March, with the premier of a brand new film for its 4D Cinema, the Oscar-winning animation, Happy Feet.

The specially adapted 12-minute film tells the tale of penguin Mumble, who bravely tries to save his friends from starvation after humans steal their supply of fish. Visitors will watch the film in 3D whilst seated in specially designed chairs, which react to scenes in the film by moving up and down, releasing sprays of water, bursts of air, bubbles and various smells, guaranteeing a memorable experience for all.

The award-winning family attraction will also unveil the new Dino Trail, located in Farmer McColl’s Farm, which has been created to intrigue and educate visitors about dinosaurs.

This year is a momentous occasion for Drayton Manor as it is the park’s Diamond Jubilee Year. It was 60 years ago in April 1950 when Mr & Mrs George Bryan first opened Drayton Manor to the public. Today, it remains a family owned attraction, which is run by three generations of the Bryan family.

Managing Director Colin Bryan, who is the son of Mr & Mrs George Bryan, said: “When my parents opened the park in 1950, there was one restaurant, a tea room, three hand operated rides, six rowing boats, some pedal cars and a set of second hand dodgem cars.

“Today, we have some biggest, wettest and scariest rides around, including Maelstrom, Apocalypse and G-Force. There’s also Europe’s first and only Thomas Land™, and a 15-acre zoo, which is now home to some new residents – a pair of baby meerkats, who I’m confident will be a popular addition to our zoo given the recent meerkat revival. But over the years, one thing has always remained the same, our passion and core belief of providing an amazing day out for all the family.

“Everyone at Drayton Manor is very excited about the Diamond Jubilee Year and there will be various events taking place throughout the season, which runs until Sunday 31st October.”

For full details about opening times, or more information about the park, including prices, visit www.draytonmanor.co.uk or call the 24-hour information line on 0844 472 1950. Tickets can also be bought by calling the Ticket Hotline on 0844 472 1960.