It’s been a tough year for Drayton Manor, which has had to endure flooding, COVID-19, administration and now fire.

Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 16 Dec 2020

Fire crews were able to limit the damage to one block Credit: Drayton Manor
Drayton Manor theme park was rocked last night by a serious fire, which caused damage to the park’s Thomas Land area.
Currently closed due to COVID-19 restrictions, the blaze gutted a changing area, toilet and storage facility at the theme park in Staffordshire, UK, with the entire block engulfed in flames last night (December 15).
Thankfully, fire crews were able to stop the fire, the cause of which is currently unknown, from spreading to other areas of the park. All of its Thomas Land rides escaped the blaze “with very limited damage”.
“Following last night’s incident at the park, we can confirm that the fire is out and the area is cordoned off,” said a statement from the park.
We’re very grateful to Staffordshire Fire and Rescue for all their support over the last few hours and are pleased to report that no one was injured by the fire, and all of the park’s animals are safe.
We’ve now been able to survey the park and are relieved to confirm that the damage has been limited to a toilet block and store cupboard, both within Thomas Land. All of the rides remain intact with very limited damage.”
Drayton Manor features more than 25 rides and attractions, as well as a zoo and a 150-bedroom hotel.
In addition to the fire and COVID-19-related woes, the park suffered serious flooding in February caused by Storm Dennis. It entered administration in August, before being sold to Looping Group, which runs attractions in Europe and the UK.
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