Blackpool Pleasure Beach has announced that the Valhalla water ride will re-open for “technical rehearsals” on a date “after 7 April”, after being closed for refurbishment since 2019.
A ceremonial official opening is expected to take place later in the year, with £4 million having been spent on refurbishment work.
The 2000-built enclosed ride is known for its array of effect, including fire and ice. The Pleasure Beach said the “reimagined” ride would contain “exciting new features”.
Its April opening may not see the full array of effects in the ride, with park bosses stating that they were “still fixing things every day”.
Announcing the closure in 2019, the Pleasure Beach said that sustainability was a large reason for the closure, amid widely-understood high running costs of the Intamin ride.
Valhalla previously used large amounts of petroleum gas and electricity for its numerous and varied special effects.
‘Technical rehearsals’
Adam Slevin, Director of Creative, Design & Experience, said: “The reopening of the UK’s most beloved water ride has been a tricky secret to keep.
“We are initially opening Valhalla for technical rehearsals which means that the ride may operate intermittently throughout the day and some elements of the attraction may not be functioning.
“We appreciate our guest’s patience as we’ve carried out this huge project, working alongside countless industry experts to enhance ride experience and give guests a well-deserved surprise.”
Pleasure Beach chief executive Amanda Thompson last year criticised staff for repeated delays with the project.
But this afternoon she praised the “hard work” of the refurbishment teams and confirmed the April re-opening.
“We know how long fans have been waiting for us to announce the reopening of Valhalla, and we’re confident they won’t be disappointed with our reimagining of one of the country’s best-loved rides,” Thompson said.
“The team has been hard at work behind the scenes, and we can’t wait to have the famous Valhalla waterfall back on in the park once more.”
The initial version of this article stated that the ride would re-open on 7 April itself. It has since been amended to reflect the wording of Blackpool Pleasure Beach’s statements of “after 7 April”.