Blackpool Pleasure Beach unveils plans for iconic Ice Blast ride

Blackpool Pleasure Beach has finally lifted the lid on its plans for the much-loved Ice Blast ride, and fans are in for a thrilling transformation.

The 210-foot shot tower, famous for catapulting riders skywards at a breathtaking 80mph, has been closed at Blackpool Pleasure Beach for the 2024 season.

Visitors have noticed work underway on the ride, and now the resort has revealed the details of its exciting makeover.

New for the 2025 season, the ride is being reimagined and re-themed, and will re-open under the name ‘Launch Pad.’

As well as the new theming and branding, the ride has received a brand new pressure cylinder which will transform the current ride experience, and thrust riders with more force than they’ve experienced in recent years.

Amanda Thompson OBE, CEO of Pleasure Beach Resort, said:

“Earlier this year we announced that we are focusing on constantly evolving and renewing our ride offering, and confirmed our intention to make some exciting announcements in the future.

“The new era of Launch Pad is only the first, and we’re looking forward to everything the future holds at Pleasure Beach Resort.”

Director of engineering, Karl Murphy, at the site of the reimagining

Karl Murphy, director of engineering at Pleasure Beach Resort, added:

“A new cylinder might not sound much on paper, but it will make a huge difference in terms of the ride experience. Riders can expect to feel their stomachs drop to the floor with the increased force and experience moments of weightlessness.

“That, coupled with Launch Pad’s re-theming, makes for a very thrilling new era indeed.”

The newly-named Launch Pad first opened in 1997 under the name PlayStation: The Ride, due to its sponsorship with Sony. It was the first tower ride in the UK and was opened by boyband-of-the-moment Boyzone.

The band, fronted by Ronan Keating, were the first riders alongside 94-year-old Doris Thompson, the late grandmother of current CEO, Amanda Thompson.

Launch Pad. Credit: Blackpool Pleasure Beach

The ride was re-named Ice Blast after its sponsorship changed to Tango in 2000, and has operated under that name until now.

Launch Pad is expected to be open for Pleasure Beach Resort’s 2025 season, which starts on Saturday March 2 and is bookable now.

The Nickelodeon Land area of the park, which is aimed at families and younger riders, opens for February half term from Saturday February 15 until Sunday February 23, at a reduced price of £25.00.

Guest can secure the best value tickets by booking online at www.pleasurebeachresort.com, where prices start at £32.00 for adults and £28.00 for children under 12.