Parkcast - The UK’s Original Theme Park Podcast

Most theme park fans think they could run a theme park. Josh Heywood does exactly that at Crealy Theme Park in Devon. In this episode he talks us through how he got there, some regrets and his big plans for the future. It's incredibly eye opening and Josh is an infectious breath of fresh air - so full of passion for the park and the industry as a whole.

The UK's newest, and in my opinion best, flat ride opened at Blackpool Pleasure Beach on May 21st. Aviktas - the huge Intamin gyroswing - has been eagerly anticipated since the ride was announced early last year. 
I was lucky enough to be invited to the media launch and in this episode I'm joined by my two companions at the event - Glenn Robertson aka The Notable Stranger who did the ride soundtrack and Alex Brindley who was the MC on the day. But did it live up to our expectations and what's it really like to attend a media day? This episode also features interviews with Amanda Thompson OBE and Peter van der Schans - Vice President and Executive Director IAAPA EMMEA.

The last time Mark Rosenzweig was on Parkcast he caused uproar when he said he thought Nemesis at Alton Towers was overrated and that Inferno at Thorpe Park was the best inverted coaster in the UK.
So this week we've got him back to talk us through his top rated inverted coasters and its a subject he knows a lot about, as he's ridden every single inverted coaster in the USA. I think his No.1 might surprise you!

It might be a pipe dream for most theme park enthusiasts, but Matt Conridge has just bought his own park - Trago Family Fun Park in Devon. In this episode we find out why he decided now was the right time to take the leap into the attractions world, how he's finding it and what his plans for the future are.
You'll find Trago Family Fun Park near Newton Abbot in Devon and as Matt tells us, it's free to enter and pay to play once you're there. It would be great to show Matt some support for this new venture and hopefully we can watch the park continue to develop over time!

May 2026 is a huge month for UK theme parks. With Valgard at Paultons, Aviktas at Blackpool Pleasure Beach and World of Paw Patrol at Chessington all opening, we're looking at the positive things happening in our parks, and why they're so important....