I went to fright nights twice during 2020, once in the middle of the event with some friends, and a second time on the last day of the season. The event this year had 5 scare zones, 2 mazes and one group of roaming actors.
The 2 mazes (Platform 15 and Roots Of Evil) were £10 per maze, per person to restrict numbers. This worked, meaning there was enough room to social distance and also meaning the queues were shorter. Although for only 3 people to do both mazes, it was £60 which was more that we paid for our Merlin pass restricted day entry at only £15 per person. This, in my opinion is way to expensive especially considering the mazes weren't as good as previous years due to masks and social distancing. However, I very much liked the mazes this year but the scare zones were better.
There were 5 scare zones: Terror At Amity High, The Howling Of Lycanthorpe High, The Swarm Invasion, Fearstival Arena and Creak Freaks Unchained. Amity and Lycanthorpe are based on 2 rival schools. This created very funny scenes when the actors from rival schools interacted. There were dance shows on every hour or so at both areas which were very well choreographed. Fearstival Arena featured a stage with fire effect shows, music and other shows. The actors in this area were very energetic being very scary to older people and being fun towards younger children which is something I haven't seen at fright nights before and was very cool. Creak Freaks Unchained was the scariest zone, with the most energetic cast with axes and chainsaws. I am a bit of a wuss when it comes to chainsaws but will admit coming dressed as a Buckwheat did make them target our group which I did enjoy! The best part was coming out of Platform 15, you end up halfway around this zone and have to open a gate and try to escape without getting chased by a chainsaw. My favourite scare zone (I might be biased) was The Swarm Invasion. The way Swarm Island had smoke everywhere, the soundtrack blasting out speakers, the actors wearing bandannas as masks to make it look more realistic and the way the actors interacted with the coaster was so incredible! I cannot put into words how happy i was wandering around Swarm Island the actors running around, the music blasting, the coaster roaring above me. The cast took into consideration the space very well, with some around the queue, some near the toilet block and others by the entrance. They also were very nice towards a scared child and taught her how to sign to the actors for them not to come near her. There were 2 types of actors: the security guards with disfigured hands and feet and the protesters telling you the end is coming and look to the sky. I could write about how much I loved Swarm Invasion forever, but I have to mention the last thing at this years event...
There was also a group roaming actors called 'The Crows'. They were dressed up as scarecrows, each with a custom mask, and had select locations where crosses were put up and they would stand still on them, moving in sync. They would also roam the island, walking very creeping and coming very close to you. They were probably the most intimidating actors i have ever seen, with such pointed gloved and scary masks.
As I said, my favourite part of this event was The Swarm Invasion, but the reason I love fright nights so much is for the dark, spooky atmosphere it has. I love Thorpe Park, but fright nights is the best event they do and in my opinion is better than the normal season. I hope the resort bring some great new things for 2021 for the events 20th anniversary! I would give this event a 4.5/5.
Cleo
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