Blackpool Pleasure Beach is set to host what could become the biggest eclipse gathering in the North West when the Moon passes in front of the Sun on Wednesday, August 12.
The resort has announced plans for a mass viewing event on the park’s overpass, beside the Wallace & Gromit’s Thrill-O-Matic ride. Guests will be able to gather at the dedicated viewing area and watch as the partial solar eclipse unfolds above the Blackpool coastline.
The eclipse is expected to begin shortly after 6pm, reaching its maximum at around 7.10pm before ending just after 8pm in the North West. At its peak, approximately 91 per cent of the Sun will be covered by the Moon, creating a dramatic crescent-shaped view in the early evening sky.
Free eclipse glasses available
Pleasure Beach will be handing out 1,000 pairs of certified solar eclipse glasses free of charge from 6pm. The glasses will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis, so visitors are being encouraged to arrive early if they want to take part in the organised viewing.
The resort says there will be no separate ticket for the eclipse event, with visitors able to watch the spectacle as part of their day at the park.
Amanda Thompson OBE, CEO of Pleasure Beach Resort, said: “Eclipses of this kind are a rarity, so we want to give our guests a truly unique experience to remember the occasion by.
“Few places can offer this experience surrounded by so much excitement, so we’d love for all guests to join us on our overpass and celebrate the special occasion together.”
Pleasure Beach staying open late
The park will remain open until 8pm on Wednesday, allowing guests to enjoy the eclipse from inside the resort without having to leave before the main event.
Pleasure Beach is also extending its opening hours until 8pm every Wednesday throughout August. Day tickets start from £18, while visitors arriving after 4pm can take advantage of a two-for-one offer, with two tickets and unlimited ride access available for £60.
The late opening means thrill-seekers could spend the afternoon riding the park’s attractions before heading to the overpass for the eclipse’s peak viewing time.
Blackpool Pleasure Beach is set to host what could become the biggest eclipse gathering in the North West
The August eclipse is expected to be the deepest partial solar eclipse visible from the UK for decades, with between 90 and 96 per cent of the Sun covered across the country. Although the UK will not experience a total eclipse, the event promises to be one of the most striking astronomical displays visible from Britain in years.
Blackpool’s west-facing coastal position could also offer a particularly atmospheric setting, with the eclipsed Sun sitting low above the west-northwest horizon as evening approaches. An unobstructed view will be essential, making the resort’s elevated overpass a natural spot for visitors hoping to catch the display.
However, visitors should not look directly at the Sun without proper protection. Specialist eclipse glasses or an approved solar viewer should be used, while ordinary sunglasses, cameras and binoculars do not provide adequate protection for viewing the eclipse.
With its rides, coastline views and extended evening opening, Pleasure Beach is hoping to turn the rare celestial event into a memorable night out offering visitors the chance to watch the skies while surrounded by one of Blackpool’s most famous attractions.
