DESTINATIONS — UK & IRELAND
Party in the park
TRIED & TESTED: Butlins, Minehead
Stuart Parish finds how Butlins is diversifying to attract the adult market
will forever be linked with the stereotypical English family holiday; summers at the seaside, donkey rides and ice creams. Yet the Butlins of today is striving to be much more by offering a year round portfolio of events geared to adults rather than families. With themes such as We
B
Love the 70s, Ultimate 80s, and 90s Reloaded, the Butlins Music Weekends time-warp you back to your decade of choice, reaffirming your inner belief that music today genuinely isn’t as good as it used to be. The Ultimate 80s weekend
in the Minehead resort was split between two main venues, Centre Stage and Reds, which often gave the unexpected dilemma of wanting to be in two places at once. The headline act for the weekend was Rick Astley, while other known acts such as Go West, Simple Minds and Bad Manners performed and drew good crowds. The hidden gems of the
Headliner: 80s pop star Rick Astley
weekend however were the tribute acts, with Duran Duran, Bon Jovi and the Pet Shop Boys all covered brilliantly by some genuinely talented performers. The choice of accommodation
utlins is one of those iconic British brands that
has developed over the years yet still remains fairly simple. A deluxe suite sleeps six people in three separate rooms, brought together by a central lounge with basic amenities such as a TV, fridge and coffee-making facilities. A three-night stay with two deluxe suites cost £1,440 including insurance and entry to all the entertainment venues, so at £40 per person per night proved a very economical stay. However, these weekends are
not designed to be spent in your chalet. Live music begins at 1pm and continues throughout the afternoon and into the night, while the excellent indoor pool, crazy golf, amusements and the many eateries on site provide plenty of options for morning entertainment. An optional extra for the
weekend is a VIP wrist band for £20, which gives advance access to venues, cornered off bar areas, and a number of other perks for those who don’t like queuing. Book it: Accommodation and entrance to the Ultimate 80s weekend at Butlins Minehead on September 26-29 starts from £90 based on four adults sharing a standard self-catering apartment.
bourneleisuresales.co.uk
Not just for kids: themed weekends attract an older market
26 June 2014 —
travelweekly.co.uk • 45
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