Organised by IMG and The Royal Parks with contributions from leading UK fairground and circus operators, among an international cast, the outdoor entertainment Spectacular in the centre of London, launched its latest 45 day winter season, on Wednesday November 20, with even further new attractions, entertainment and innovations; alongside popular returning ones.
Rebekah Vardy took night off covering I’m A Celebrity to enjoy star-studded Winter Wonderland opening. In doing so, the 42 year old, Joined by her husband Jamie Vardy and family for the annual festive event in London’s Hyde Park, led a slew of 50 celebrities; media performers and presenters; along with sporting and other personalities in celebrating the launch of the seventeenth edition of Hyde Park Winter Wonderland. to lend their support for the most extensive entertainment event of its kind and for a further fundraising night.
The VIPs also mingled with guests who paid for a premium charity wristband, arranged by the Royal Parks Charitable Foundation, with IMG Events. The charity wristband occasion was once more a sell-out success, but nonetheless good value for some of the best rides and attractions assembled here in the Capital; with all funds going to their chosen charities for this year.
Arriving throughout the evening, the guests once again enjoyed the authentic hospitality of the Bavarian Village, as well as sampling around the many themed zones, including the Nottingham-based Showmen, Mellors Group’s North Pole entertainment resort area, to experience such as the returning Trapeze themed Freak Out and the new Energiser Afterburner
Continuing to set the standard of winter events, Hyde Park Winter Wonderland still boasts the UK’s largest outdoor Ice Rink; meanwhile, Winter Wonderland’s Magical Ice Kingdom has returned this year with an enhanced entrance and artistic Alice in Wonderland theme as Europe’s largest indoor ice and snow sculpture walk around experience.
The ice theme continues with the returning Ice Sculpting workshops; 35m Real Ice Slide and, of course the largest open air ice rink in London.
Newbury-based Showmen, Zippos Christmas Circus, has an internationally-inspired new show Candyland and Cirque Berserk presents a new show too; Thunderbolt; both accommodated in their 1000 seat Megadome stadium.
Nearby, the Mannings Organisation’s SantaLand is re-imagined with a refreshed layout and varied rides, games and attractions; including roller-coaster; kids’ rides; food and games; as well as their contributed Blackpool Illuminations-scale Luminaires arches, serenading visitors to the Capital’s iconic winter Tourism event, from Marble Arch . They have two separate Carousel bars open daily across the Hyde Park midway; among many other rides of all sizes across the winter park.
Adjacent is the returning world’s largest transportable, 70 metre Euro Star observation Wheel; along with Irvin’s’ Traditional Fairground that leads to the refreshed Winter market piazza.
Additionally there are games across the winter theme park from Showmen, Kayes Events among several others and HB leisure, with larger than life prizes.
The Christmas Market itself is ever-popular Market Square; with 20 new, artisan crafts.
There are also ever-widening food and drink options; including several two bespoke Street food presentations; along with other popular newcomers such as Voodoo Ray’s trendy Pizzeria restaurant and, of course the return of the iconic large scale Bavarian Village.
Following the VIP charity preview night, Hyde Park Winter Wonderland’s public launch on Thursday November 21, led into its first weekend with a strong attendance. Shrugging off both Storm Bert’s interruption on Sunday and economic concerns; the visiting public are already flocking back to this, now well established, seasonal experience at the heart of the Capital city.
*Image credit: Aerial Photography