UK's best-value theme park launches country's biggest light show at Drayton Manor

The UK's best-value theme park has unveiled what it calls the country's biggest end-of-day light show, a water, fire and multimedia spectacle set to run across the park's central lake at Drayton Manor in Staffordshire. The display, developed with Paris Olympics-opening-ceremony specialists CRYSTAL, begins next month and is included with a day ticket.

The show will feature a 30-meter water screen, more than 65 water jets, bursts of fire and animated projections, with the initial performance themed around Monsters and Magic to align with the park's Halloween entertainment schedule. There will also be smaller pre-shows throughout the day, during which fountains shoot above the lake to music.

Victoria Lynn, managing director at Drayton Manor, said the 75th anniversary was a milestone that deserved an epic finale. "This year marks our 75th anniversary, and we wanted to do something truly epic to mark the milestone," she said. "We have chosen to create something one-of-a-kind that will add a new emotional dimension to the Drayton Manor experience that we’re confident our visitors will love."

Michel Amann, CEO and creative director at CRYSTAL, said the collaboration brings world-class water show expertise to the park. "We’re incredibly excited to bring our world-class water show expertise to Drayton Manor, bringing the park’s iconic lake to life this autumn," he said. "After working closely with the operations team to develop an exciting, bespoke and never-before-seen creative concept, we’re thrilled to unveil a first look at the new end-of-day show and look forward to creating an epic experience for Drayton Manor’s visitors." Amann added that the partnership builds on CRYSTAL’s track record of large-scale installations at theme parks around the world, and that the project marks a milestone for both the park and its guests.

Drayton Manor is a family theme park, zoo and accommodation on the grounds of the former Drayton Manor in Drayton Bassett, Staffordshire. The park is known for including Europe’s only Thomas Land and, this year, has been recognized as the UK's best-value theme park for the fourth consecutive year by the UK Theme Park Awards.

Officials say the end-of-day light show will adapt its visuals to seasonal events throughout the year, with a focus on delivering a different emotional experience for families as they close out a day at Drayton Manor. The first display is scheduled for October 25 and the production team has described it as the largest of its kind in the UK, combining water, fire and multimedia elements across the lake.

Admission details indicate the show is included with standard day tickets, with additional pre-show fountains offering visual entertainment during the day. The project underscores Drayton Manor's aim to deliver a novel, immersive experience for visitors while continuing to celebrate its long-standing community presence and family-friendly offerings.