Merlin Entertainments has rolled out its model of peculiarly-late Mardi Gras-themed events at three of it its UK theme parks.
At Chessington World of Adventures, bright shades of yellow, green and purple adorn the park entrances, as costumed performers great the many children present this May half-term.
Officially, it’s Mardi Grrra!
Several times a day the Mane Stage comes alive with an array of colourful dancers that start off confined to the stage but then come into the aisles.
They are led by Chester the Jester, but sadly there’s not too much audience participation except the odd hand clap and nodding of heads to the beat.
A plethora of vibrant beads are then thrown, which suddenly sees many people leap forward and finally become involved.
Elsewhere, a guitarist strums other people’s tunes – Eagle-Eye Cherry and Ed Sheeran as we pass.
There is a smattering of colourful dancers throughout the park as music plays loudly, and sometimes intrusively.
Overall though Mardi Gras adds a welcome touch of colour and difference to Chessington – particularly for the annual pass holders who visit several times a year.
Chessington’s Mardi Grrra! event runs between 27 May and 25 June this year.