An £8.72 million ride has been tested for the first time at Blackpool’s Pleasure Beach Resort.
Engineers carried out “controlled testing” of Aviktas, a 40-seater pendulum ride, by activating its initial rotation and controlled swing.
The ride is set to be the UK’s tallest “gyro swing”, reaching 138ft at full swing once construction is completed.
The attraction will arc 120 degrees over Blackpool’s seafront.
Further testing, such as the pendulum’s first swing at full height, is expected to happen over the next few weeks.
Tickets are currently on sale for a VIP Preview Event where guests can be among the first to ride Aviktas.
Amanda Thompson, CEO of Blackpool Pleasure Beach, said: “Seeing Aviktas swing for the first time was a truly special moment for everyone involved in this project. Each milestone brings us closer to that first ride and we can’t wait to share this experience with our guests in the spring.”
An opening date for Aviktas is expected during the spring.
The theme park will open for its 130th year on 7 March.
It’s not the only attraction set to open in the UK this year.
A new “live storytelling” park is set to open in County Durham this summer, featuring immersive performances, bird shows and live action battles on horseback.
Families may be familiar with Kynren, in Bishop Auckland, where heart-stopping performances portray 2,000 years of historical events.
While these shows are usually scheduled at sunset, the charity behind the performances, 11Arches, has plans to make the most of the site during the daytime.
Kynren – The Storied Lands is being developed as a new daytime historical theme park opening in summer 2026.
Read more: Live action theme park to open in County Durham this summer
