This is why fairground rides have been removed from Blackpool North Pier
Five family and children’s attractions have been taken from Blackpool’s North Pier to protect and prepare them ahead of the new season.
Fairground rides which operated on Blackpool’s North Pier throughout the season have been removed for winter cleaning, maintenance and minor repairs.
The attractions were lifted from the pier by crane before being dismantled. Work will be carried out over the next couple of months, with the new season expected to begin in February.
Regular maintenance is required because exposure to sea air affects the rides’ steel components. The winter programme is intended to ensure they are ready to return to operation when the pier reopens its seasonal offering.
William (WN) Roberts has operated the line-up of five family and juvenile fairground rides on the pier since summer 2026.
The attractions were initially lifted on to the deck by crane in mid-July, following the acquisition of the pier by Okken Limited in June 2026. They formed part of the pier’s “Summer Land” children’s rides offering.
The line-up includes a brand-new Hulk-themed Monster Truck, a Race-O-Rama children’s car ride and a Formula Car Set featuring track-style cars for younger visitors. The Jets, a traditional rotating flying-plane ride, is also among the attractions.
The seasonal maintenance comes as North Pier enters a period of wider investment under its new owner. Okken Ltd bought Blackpool’s oldest pier in June as part of a £10 million investment programme.
The company has set out plans to refurbish, renovate and restore the landmark while introducing new facilities intended to support its future as one of the resort’s main attractions.
Proposed work includes a comprehensive refurbishment of the structure, improvements to the theatre, new media and event spaces, and a new bar at the pier entrance. Planning permission has recently been granted for the bar.
Paul Cooper of Okken Ltd said in June: “North Pier is a piece of living history, and it is a privilege to take on its care.
"We want to thank the whole team for everything they have done over the past 15 year, many of them joining us on the piers next exciting chapter, and we are building on the strong foundation they have created.
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“Our commitment is simple: to invest, to restore, and to bring this wonderful pier back to its very best, while adding the kind of experiences that will make it a destination for generations to come. We see ourselves as guardians of this landmark. Visitors, tenants, suppliers and the wider community can be assured of a seamless transition.
"The management team here has a deep understanding of the pier and a real passion for it. We're delighted they will continue to lead day-to-day operations as we begin this exciting next phase together.”