Paws for thought as new year begins

January 9, 2023

Paws for thought as new year begins

The start of a new year at Wicksteed Park has brought lots of excitement, as we get things ready to help fill 2023 with amazing memories.

We are encouraging everyone to keep their eyes and ears peeled for announcements in the coming weeks as we gear up to open our rides and attractions at Easter.

The first major event at the park this year is our Centenary Ball, which we postponed last year due to the death of the Queen, but will now be held in our Edwardian pavilion ballroom on Saturday February 11.

The celebration to mark 100 years since the park was opened by Charles Wicksteed in 1921 will include amazing food, drink and entertainment to celebrate the Roaring 20s and an era of glamour and decadence.

People attending the evening of celebration will be able to enjoy exquisite 1920s cocktails, followed by a delicious three-course 1920s-inspired meal created exclusively for the event by the park’s executive chef.

As well as looking forward, it’s nice to reflect on 2022 and take a moment to appreciate the great achievements that we enjoyed throughout the year. We had an incredible summer, celebrating 100 years of Wicksteed Park with our Centenary Regatta, enjoyed another amazing year of our Fireworks Display and had a wonderful Christmas full of festive events!

With all that in mind, we also wanted to take a moment to share a story that touched many of our hearts here at the park.

Towards the end of the year, we received a message explaining that Tilly, a 13 year old cat with Parkinson’s had gone missing on Wicksteed Park grounds. Our staff assured the owners that we’d keep an eye out for her – our team knew we had to do our best to try and find her.

Days went by and we’d still had no sign of Tilly until we spotted our new furry friend sneaking around the Thrill Zone and after being missing for 9 ½ days, we finally managed to reunite Tilly with her owners, who were thrilled to have her back.

It’s moments like these where we appreciate our staff’s dedication to going the extra mile.

With this in mind, we’re excited for 2023 and the fun that awaits us.

Wicksteed Charitable Trust

The Wicksteed Charitable Trust receives no regular external funding to help maintain the park as a truly unique, freely accessible public space. You can help to preserve the park for future generations by making donations. All money raised is used to help maintain the park and its grounds.

Become A Trustee

Other News

100days, 100images, 100years

Wicksteed Park is celebrating its centenary this year having officially opened in May 1921.

Launch of the new Ferris Wheel ride to mark 2023 opening

We are excited to announce the first of this year’s new additions – a fantastic new 25-metre high Ferris Wheel.

Heritage Now

Heritage Now is a six-week placement programme with the Wicksteed Park Community and Heritage Team. The placement is a flexible programme that can be tailored to your interests and skills taking place one day a week over six weeks.

Customer Reviews

"We all had a fantastic time here plenty of car parking. Me, my daughter, Niece, and Grandson and there's lots to do here, including lovely walks and fun rides, plenty of eating places too. We took our own picnic though there were plenty of seating areas. We were able to buy extra drinks and ice lolly on our walk around the rides. Plenty of toilet facilities too. The staff were lovely and friendly here, would definitely recommend it here for a fun day out."

Katrina

"Took my granddaughters they loved it. There is plenty to do and lots of free play areas. The ride tickets are good value at one pound when you have more than one child to pay for. Parking good. Food stalls and drinks can be purchased. Excellent day out."

Lesley

"A good day out, with a great selection of activities for young children. We bought wristbands but probably would have been cheaper to buy the tickets as these were only £1 each in August. Amazing play park which is free to use. Great grounds to have a picnic. Would recommend."

Charlie

"We went last week and had the best time! Staff were so friendly and helpful and we thought this was great value for money. Kids Loved it."

Michelle

"We camped here this week, and all had a blast!!! It was so well-priced. We were one of the first in the park. The camping was quiet, and the kids absolutely loved all the places to walk!!! Thank you!"

Charlotte

"I just got back from the park, it was great seeing so many people all smiling, the parks looking wonderful and the special August offer of £1 a ride is a great offer. Well done wickies."

Peter

"First time visiting this park and wasn’t disappointed. Such a lovely place. Couldn’t decide to either buy wristbands or tokens. Family of four. Two adults. 6 year old and nearly 2 year old 0.8m tall. Wristbands were the cheaper option in the end. Staff friendly and happy. Food was really tasty. We ate in the American diner. We couldn’t do the whole park we got there at midday so we ran out of time. We will come back and come earlier in the day."

Collette

"Tyler in Chocolate Haven is a real asset to you! Look forward to coming back at Easter for all the rides!"

Abbie

"We had a lovely day at the park on a very busy day, it was an amazingly good value day out. It is still incredibly popular mostly down to affordable rides and free play park. We visited twice in the summer holidays, we bought tickets both times as with the length of queues we had only managed to get on two rides in the first hour and a half. So you couldn’t of got on 22 rides to make the wrist band better value. We were disappointed that there wasn’t a track with cars to drive as in previous years. As with little boys that is a firm favourite"

Anonymous

"Went to the monster ball my grandchildren really enjoyed themselves.. especially when Wicky bear and Mable came out on stage"