Brand new show as Blackpool's Pleasure Beach celebrates 130th anniversary - based on iconic ride

This year marks 130 years of the attraction, and 90 years of ice shows at the resort - and to mark the occasion, a version of the world famous 'Hot Ice' show, aimed at children and families, is being launched for the first time.

Called Alice Frozen in a Wonderland of Dreams, it will feature cast members from the Hot Ice Show, and will run in the afternoons from July 20 to September 10.

Director and Pleasure Beach CEO, Amanda Thompson, said: “It’s a big year for us in 2026; not only do we welcome our new ride, Aviktas, but we’re also celebrating 130 years of Pleasure Beach and 90 years of ice shows. We wanted to create a very special show to mark the occasion, and what better way than to utilise the story that has been a huge part of our history.”

Alice in Wonderland

Located directly opposite Pleasure Beach’s ice area is family favourite ride, Alice in Wonderland, and the park has had a long affinity with the story created by author Lewis Carroll. The inspiration from the ride came from a trip to Disneyland in the late 1950s, when then Pleasure Beach owner Leonard Thompson went to visit friend and fellow entrepreneur, Walt Disney.

There’s even evidence to suggest that Walt Disney gave personal permission for Leonard Thompson to use Disneyland’s existing Alice themed ride as the blueprint for one in Blackpool.

In 1958, Disneyland and ride manufacturer Arrow Dynamics built the Alice in Wonderland themed ride in California – and by 1962, Pleasure Beach had its very own Alice themed ride with the exact same layout. And that isn’t the ride’s only brush with Hollywood: World-famous director Tim Burton posed for a photo on the ride – one of this favourites – on a visit to Pleasure Beach in 2023.

“Breathtaking journey”

Of the new show, Amanda added: “Much like our park, the story of Alice in Wonderland has enchanted and thrilled people for hundreds of years, and hopefully will continue to do so for hundreds more. We’re known for putting on a show… and this new performance will take audiences on a breathtaking journey through a world where fantasy, imagination, and world class athleticism combine in the most extraordinary way.

“I can’t wait for guests to experience this enchanting new chapter in our ice show legacy.”

How to watch

Alice, Frozen in a Wonderland of Dreams will be free to watch for guests who are already visiting the park that day, and other guests wanting to watch it can book tickets online through Pleasure Beach’s website.

Hot Ice

Since its construction in 1936, Pleasure Beach’s Arena has seen an annual ice show in the form of Hot Ice, with the latest rendition named Hot Ice XC.

Support your Blackpool Gazette and become a subscriber today. Enjoy unlimited access to local news, the latest football stories and new puzzles every day. With a digital subscription, you can see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters and content. Click here to subscribe.