Drayton Manor’s War of the Worlds Fireworks Spectacular Review

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Last night I took my family along to the best firework display I’ve ever seen! Full of atmosphere, drama and sparkle it’s an event you really shouldn’t miss. But if that isn’t enough to convince you then read on for sneak peaks in today’s Drayton Manor’s War of the Worlds Fireworks Spectacular review.

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We arrived shortly before 4pm and delighted at the Halloween decorations strewn around the park (nothing overtly scary for the little ones either 🙂 ).firework9+

 

As the sun went down, the lights came on and a wonderful sense of atmosphere flowed thoughout. Some areas (like the zoo) shut at 5pm, but most of the rides have been covered with lights and can be enjoyed right up until 9pm. The carousel is always a firm favourite and creates a magical blur of lights and sounds in the evening.

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Shortly after 7pm we made our way to the lake to wait for the firework display. The show started at 8pm but if you want a front place view you have to get there reasonably early. Although I should add that the fireworks are huge so you can actually see them from most of the park. There’s also a screen provided from one of the lawns which is great if you’re taking smaller children.

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At 8pm Liam Neeson’s voice came over the speaker and we knew that the Fireworks were about to start. For those unfamiliar with the War of the Worlds musical, Liam provided the narration.

firework5+The fireworks began in stunning style as they shot high above the lake. All perfectly timed to the music it made for a truly breath-taking display.

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Complementing this was a kind of smoke cloud set upon the lake showing images from the critically acclaimed musical, plus an alien spaceship to one side which was shooting lasers!

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I’ve seen many fireworks over the years and certainly some very impressive displays but never such a perfectly choreographed event that utilises images, lasers, music and the most stunning and gigantic fireworks! I would wholeheartedly recommend a visit if you can get there.

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The fireworks close out the 65th Anniversary season at Drayton in epic style and they continue tonight and tomorrow (31st Oct, 1st Nov, but fireworks at 7pm) so there’s still time to get tickets and book a visit to the event.

 

firework8+For more information and to book your tickets (you know you want too!) then pop over to Drayton Manor’s website here.

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Finally a short video showing the amazing fountain that rested on the lake playing images from the War of the Worlds musical.

 

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What is there at Drayton Manor if you don’t like rides?

PanoramaDraytonTheme Parks are great if you love the thrill of white knuckle rides but if a park doesn’t offer anything for people less keen to scream, then it can make for a disappointing day out. Standing on the side-lines or even worse acting as some kind of human coat-stand while your friends ride the rails of terror is absolutely no fun! Luckily I am an ambassador for my favourite theme park so I’m pretty familiar with all they have to offer. Today I’m talking to those chaps and chapettes who likes their days out to contain less g-force. So what is there at Drayton Manor if you don’t like rides? Absolutely loads! Plus you never have to step foot on a ride if you don’t want too.carouseldrayton

In the Main Park

The Carousel – Probably my personal favourite, ok it’s still a ride but it’s a pretty sedate one and it’s an awful lot of fun for big kids like myself.

Polperro Express – a cute little steam engine that drives around the lake. Watch the swans, ducks (or herons if you’re lucky) and relax safe in the knowledge that you’re not on Stormforce 10 (a water ride) that drips from above.

Drayton Queen Boat – take a leisurely boat trip across the lake aboard the Drayton Queen.

The 4D Cinema – Currently showing Yogi Bear in wondrous 4D! The cinema is so much fun for all ages and is bound to get you laughing.

Bryan’s Works Machines – Take some pennies and play on the old penny slot machines.

The Chairlift – Depending on your sensitivity to height then this one might be out, but these chairs take a gentle pace as they glide into the air so you can view the park from above.

Big Wheel – Another one not for the height sensitive, the big wheel is a relaxing ride of fun.

Various Games Stalls & the Arcade – these do come with associated costs, but hook-a-duck and basketball are always pretty easy going and lots of fun.

LizardThe Zoo

The zoo is full to bursting with all kinds of wonderful animals, including Lynx, Tigers, Monkeys, parrots and much more! If you watch my video at the end of this post you can see a few of my favourites.

RheaThe Farm Park

The farm park has quite a few more animals including Flamingo, Ostriches, Reindeer and more. Plus there’s the wonderful Discover Thomas exhibition where all the adults can reminisce watching the original Thomas the Tank engine ride around the track (he’s animated these days).

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My kids and I made a little video to show some of our favourite non-ride fun 🙂

Events

Drayton Manor hosts wonderful events all year round and they are bound to excite even the most ride resistant visitor. The next event is the epic War of the Worlds Firework spectacular!DraytonFireworks

The event takes place Friday 30th October, to Sunday 1st November. The fireworks begin at 7pm (last admission is 6pm), and a whole host of rides will remain open until 9pm. Plus there will be the amazing Firework display set to the War of the Worlds soundtrack.

Plus…

There’s Thomas Land for the smaller visitors with plenty of gentle rides or you can take a walk through the Dinosaur Trail and learn some new facts about your favourite dino friends.

Finally it would be remiss of me to mention the nature trail at Drayton. I must admit I haven’t managed to do this one myself as there is so much on offer at the park there just hasn’t been time… yet!

For more information pop over to the Drayton Manor website.

 

Remember Remember…

Remember, remember the fifth of November.
Gunpowder, Treason and Plot.
I see no reason why Gunpowder Treason
Should ever be forgot.
Well alright it’s the 6th of November today. But yesterday was indeed the 5th of November when we traditionally remember Guy Fawkes failed attempts and light bonfires and fireworks aplenty.
In a typically British fashion it was raining quite heavily here but that didn’t thwart us, or rather it didn’t thwart the husband. While the children and I all hid inside and watched through a window he let off a lovely display of fireworks which thoroughly impressed us all.
We were then treated to some huge fireworks by a local temple, as not only was it Bonfire Night, it was also Diwali yesterday as well.