Great Yarmouth offers summer spectacular of family fun

Fireworks, a pyro plane, Sumatran tigers, a summer variety show, and a giant inflatable obstacle course are just a few of the bumper activities and attractions for all the family on offer across the Great Yarmouth area this summer.

Big Wednesdays at Great Yarmouth starts this week, with AeroSPARX’s pyro plane lighting up the skies with its 2,000 LED lights.

The choreographed pyrotechnic displays over the sea will see fireworks ignite from the motor glider’s long wings as dusk falls each Wednesday through the summer holidays.

Big Tuesdays at Hemsby also returns tomorrow, keeping the resort buzzing each week with a colourful array of fireworks.

The Hippodrome Circus plays host to new show Pulse, bringing together some of the greatest circus acts from all over the world.

Featuring acrobatic daredevils, aerial stars, motorbike globe stunt riders, master jugglers straight from Cirque Du Soleil and the world-famous water spectacular, Johnny Mac and Jack Jay will take the audiences through a plethora of jaw-dropping spectacles.

The Pleasure Beach is welcoming Overplay to the Pleasure Beach Gardens until September 6, an all-weather family adventure packed with giant inflatables, climbing challenges, obstacle courses, giant slides, rope adventures and interactive play, providing the perfect addition to the theme park next door.

At the opposite end of the Golden Mile, younger children can enjoy all the delights of Joyland, including taking away a new cuddle snail plushie available online and at the merchandise hut.

Merrivale Model Village has extended its opening hours so visitors can spend the day exploring, enjoying a round of crazy golf, visiting the amusement arcades or relaxing in the tearooms.

Children can join the Sea Creature Rescue Squad at Sealife Great Yarmouth and learn about the ways to protect animals from pollution, changing oceans and lost habitats by following the activity trail around the aquarium, with a reward on completion.

Over at The Time and Tide Museum young pirates should prepare for a swashbuckling adventure during an exhibition through pirate history, film and literature.

It features spectacular costumes from Black Sails, Peter Pan and Spartacus, together with a range of period objects including weapons, ship models and treasure.

If you’re into live theatre join Pip Randelle and Friends for a fun-filled afternoon of music, magic, circus skills and family entertainment at Gorleston’s Pavilion Theatre during The Big Family Party Show on selected dates until September 1, or if you fancy some evening entertainment book tickets to see The All-New Summer Show, with live entertainment, big vocals, dance routines, comedy, magic and variety from some of the region’s finest performers.

The Sumatran tigers Raja and Lotte at Thrigby Hall are now very comfortable around each other after a slow introductory process, so pop along and visit them at the Wildlife Gardens or make a day of it at Hirsty’s Family Fun Park in Hemsby and try and beat the new summer maze while enjoying the large play park.

The Arc Cinema in Great Yarmouth and The Palace Cinema in Gorleston are screening a selection of family-friendly films throughout the school holidays, there’s many attractions to enjoy at both the Britannia and Wellington Piers, while those wanting to make the most of the sunshine can head to the borough’s stunning coastline. From the unspoilt dunes of Winterton and the golden sands of Hemsby to the traditional seaside beaches of Caister, Great Yarmouth and Gorleston, there are miles of beautiful coastline to explore.

Nathan Race, Chair of Visit Great Yarmouth said: “There’s so much on offer this summer for all ages and all interests. We are literally bursting with activities, attractions and entertainment for day trippers, holidaymakers and our residents.

“Every year we welcome people back to rediscover old favourites while finding something new, and that’s what makes Great Yarmouth such a special place to spend the summer.”

Asa Morrison, Chief Executive of Visit Great Yarmouth said: “Great Yarmouth offers one of the UK’s most complete family seaside experiences.

“Alongside miles of golden coastline, visitors can enjoy iconic attractions, award-winning entertainment, unique heritage, fantastic restaurants and cafés, and an exciting calendar of summer events, making it the perfect destination for families, couples and day-trippers alike.”