'A canvas to the imagination...'
A Review of Blackgang Illuminations, October half term 2015.
Blackgang Chine, Isle of Wight
What to do on a drizzly day to start half term? Dress your baby in a bear onesie*, join forces with family and head to Blackgang Chine, of course!
(*you probably don't have to dress your child as a bear- but it's cute.)
This week there's plenty going on at Blackgang- and we can highly recommend it. We went later in the afternoon and, on arrival, bumped into a friendly cowboy who was about to enter into a shoot-out! So we followed him to Cowboy town where a Wild West show took place!
The 'gunfires' and bangs were impressively staged- loud enough to make you jump but in a fun way- we took our 9 week old baby and she wasn't worried (although I'd advise standing near the back like we did if your little ones are a bit precious with loud noises!) The area had a great atmosphere with in-theme hay bale seating. There were lots of other families watching and everyone had a great view due to the performers making good use of the space, including rooftops...! The dialogue was engaging and had moments of interaction for children, with a believable story to follow and added humour for adults. It was of a high standard- a show done well!
Afterwards, we were happily side-tracked by my youngest cousin's desire to ride on a dinosaur- a genius giant motion 'toy' that the child gets to control. He grinned the entire time as the realistic-looking beast plodded around!
Talking of dinosaurs, I love how the park is themed around those extinct and fascinating creatures! I haven't visited Blackgang since I was a child and I remember it was geared towards mystical and magical imagination. Going around the park, now as a twenty-something, I still knew what my fave attractions were and I was reminiscent to see some of them still as I'd pictured them: the pet shop with its weirdly singing animals; the crooked house all askew; and the fairy castle overlooking the amazing view (my inner-child remained impressed with the fact I'd raced to the top of a turret!) Oh, I should also mention there was a friendly wandering fairy in the park, open to photographs and chats!
Memories aside, it was equally fun to see how the park had progressed other areas and played up the dino element, especially when Blackgang verges a clifftop and coastline that's steeped in fossilised history. We will definitely return again soon- and we've got a great excuse now with a little one (although to be perfectly honest, we'd confidently recommend it to child-free adults too!!)
After re-living my fairy days, our next aim was to head for a pirate workshop amidst the outdoor ships, run by three Jack-Sparrow-esque pirates! We were amused that the children were instructed 'not to hit each other' but then their first lesson was in 'chopping off a head' with the (foam!) swords provided! I couldn't actually stay for the rest of the workshop (baby needed a feed!) but some of the family did, including my little cousin who later reported back how brilliant it was (he's qualified in swash-buckling now you see!) I'm led to believe there was some plank walking too, "But not in the sea!!" =)
As dusk fell, the park was impressively illuminated - lights twinkled from trees, glimmered from walkways, and spotlighted the attractions.
We ventured into 'Restricted Area 5', where huge dinosaurs were lit in an array of colours and sound effects. To add to the spectacle, there was a stilted skeleton dino on the prowl: another detail to add to the imagination! As adults, we were truly amazed with the re-vamp of the dinosaur area- the 'creatures' are huge! Our imagination was definitely sparked by the attention to detail too- all that remained of one poor bloke was half a calf bone in his welly...
The evening was finished with a projection mapping show and we were gutted to miss this bit ourselves (our 9 week old babe had had too much fun by that time and started to grizzle- we're sure it wasn't anything to do with us accidentally walking her infront of a spitting iguandon where her face got a bit wet.....?!)
That said, on our way out some more cars were pulling into the car park to catch the projection show, so we expect it was a light-filled treat.
For a review, it might look as if I've missed the 'critique' aspect, but the only thing I could honestly think of- having accidentally directed my husband into the ladies toilets!- is perhaps some clearer toilet signage for oblivious folk like me?!
Overall, we were so impressed by the quality and detail of the park and this week's activities. As a group that ranged in age, I can honestly say we all had a great time. If you get the chance, head out there and experience it for yourselves this week!
You can access the half term programme here: http://www.blackgangchine.com/events/october
Enjoy!
Review by Mum on at Island
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