The thrills and spills of Pleasure Island have given joy to thousands of families, and now the park is celebrating its 20th birthday. Simon Faulkner finds out more...
PLEASURE Island in Cleethorpes is throwing a special party to celebrate its 20th birthday – and everyone is invited.
The resort theme park will be throwing its doors open late into the evening on bank holiday monday, May 27 – exactly 20 years to the day that it first opened for business.
From 7pm thrill-seekers will be able to enjoy their favourite rides, live music, and at 10pm, a spectacular fireworks finale.
During the day, the theme park's 20th anniversary will be marked with a giant cake and live music, as well as a special appearance by popular kids TV character Peppa Pig, who will be officially opening the new Furry Friends Farm.
Pleasure Island owner Melanie Wood said: "At a time when there's not a great deal of positive news around the resort we feel that to be in business for 20 years is something worth celebrating.
"Pleasure Island a big part of the local economy. We have enjoyed being part of Cleethorpes for 20 years and we hope to be here for the next 20 years at least.
"We are very busy organising the event and we just hope that people will join us to celebrate this occasion."
Melanie believes Peppa Pig's first visit to Pleasure Island will prove a big draw, and is urging people to book their tickets to avoid disappointment.
"Peppa is a long-standing favourite with both girls and boys, and when I asked the staff she was the unanimous choice."
She said the farm had been very well received by customers since opening in March.
"Everybody who has been to the farm has been absolutely thrilled at what they have seen. It is just a fantastic additional attraction and if it does take off we might think about opening it in the winter, too."
Pleasure Island opened its doors on May 27, 1993 on the 54-acre site, which was previously home to Cleethorpes Zoo and the stock car racing stadium.
The site was bought in 1991 by the Melanie's father Robert Gibb, the owner of Flamingo Land theme park in North Yorkshire.
When Mr Gibb was killed in a car accident in 1995, his wife Maureen and children Vicky, Melanie and Gordon inherited both parks, and created the biggest privately-owned theme park business in the UK.
In April 2010, Pleasure Island, with Melanie at the helm, broke away from Flamingo Land, run by her brother Gordon, to become an independent operation.
Melanie added: "The early days were a particularly happy time because we attracted a quarter of a million visitors from all across the country.
"Over the years we have seen rides come and go. We used to do ride swaps with Flamingo Land which was a great way to keep the product fresh. It has been far more difficult since we went independent but we are remaining positive.
"Going independent means decisions can be made far quicker, but it also means the big decisions rest on one pair of shoulders.
"We have staff that have been here for the 20 years who have started as ride operators and are now part of the senior management team.
"For example, Neil Ireland, our general manager, was employed in 1991 and he is now part of the furniture."
Tickets for Pleasure Island's 20th birthday party celebrations can be bought online at www.pleasure-island.co.uk or by calling 0844 5040104.
Admission costs £18.50 for the day (10am to 5pm), and £15 for the evening (7pm to 10pm).
ON THE WEB: Read about Pleasure Island's latest attraction, Furry Friends Farm, at www.thisisgrimsby.co.uk
