Alton Towers are preparing for their annual Mardi Gras celebration. The much-loved event will commence on Saturday, lasting until June 18.
The Staffordshire resort’s festivities take place almost three months after the traditional Mardi Gras period – but that doesn’t, by any stretch, mean that they hold back.
From fantastic food to enthralling entertainment, there’s sure to be something for the whole family.
Cheadle-based resort employee Alex Parsons, 21, always enjoys the event and has high hopes for its third edition: “It’s a colourful and fun event that can be enjoyed by anyone. The different themed ‘krewes’ (colourful carnivalesque celebrations) located around the park breathe new life into the resort.
“If improvements made between the event’s debut in 2021 and the next edition in 2022 are anything to go by, then this year’s rendition is going to be amazing.”
One of the event’s most notable features is Food Street. Set up surrounding the park’s lake, Food Street always provides a cultural, culinary experience. Guests can experience tastes from the deep south, with products ranging from traditional gumbo stew to Louisiana-style burgers.
Another unique perk of the Mardi Gras event is its high energy entertainment. The carnival-esque ‘Krewes’ will shine in designated areas across the park, and dazzle guests with their vibrance and colour.
POV: You're walking down Towers Street this time next week and taking in the sensational sights and sounds of MARDI GRAS! 😍
Make this your reality 👉 https://t.co/XS5mauSaon pic.twitter.com/2MgFA9KuFu
— Alton Towers Resort (@altontowers) May 13, 2023
You will also have the chance to take to the streets, soak up the party atmosphere and sip on an exclusive Mardi Gras frozen cocktail.
On the morning of each day during the flamboyant event, a Mardi Gras King and Mardi Gras Queen will be crowned. The pair of lucky visitors will be treated like rollercoaster royalty, winning exclusive VIP treatment.
The experience will last for their day’s entirety, with the fortunate few receiving platinum fastrack tickets, entry to the Alton Towers Dungeons, food and retail vouchers and VIP seats for the live entertainment, alongside much more.
To be in with a chance of winning, guests are encouraged to don colourful clothes with beads and sparkles. The resort also explain that brighter is better if you want to be noticed and chosen.
Over at the resort’s award-winning hotels, the fun continues. Overnight occupants will be able to experience even more food options, exclusive entertainment, and one-of-a-kind Mardi Gras cocktails.
Manchester-based theme park enthusiast Chris Hurst, 23, is one of the resort’s most frequent attendees – and highlights this event as one of the best on the calendar.
Chris said: “I try and visit the resort twice a week, and Mardi Gras is an incredible event. It’s vibrant and full of exciting entertainment.”
The event is Alton Towers’ second of the year. It follows the park’s Festival of Thrills, which celebrated 10 years of record-breaking rollercoaster, Smiler.
Following the festival celebrations, the park will move through their events calendar, with Summer of Fun, Oktoberfest, Fireworks Spectacular and Christmas event all on the horizon.
For more information about Mardi Gras at Alton Towers, visit the resort website here.
