Bright lights of Vegas for new Grand Pier

19 November 2009

THE bright lights and razzmatazz of Las Vegas could soon become part of Weston's multi-million pound Grand Pier.

The city that has been dubbed the 'entertainment capital of the world' is the latest place the attraction's owners have been scouting for ideas.

Kerry and Michelle Michael are attending the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions Expo 2009, which is the largest trade show in the world and has everything that a leisure operator could want under one roof.

Kerry said: "We want the Grand Pier to be the best attraction of its type in the world.

"We have found about 70 per cent of the rides, machines and attractions that we need, but we want the very latest models and the very best rides. This is our last chance to find big rides."

The brother and sister business partners are combining the visit with some trips behind the scenes at theme parks and other visitor attractions, such as the Grand Canyon.

They will also make one final trip to a trade show in London to source the latest machines in January, before the Grand Pier opens, hopefully by June.

The attraction promises to feature a 90m-high panoramic tower where up to 40 people at a time can enjoy a ride and spectacular view of the town, a new fun house, go-kart track, surf board ride, laser room and mirror maze.

Firm favourites, such as dodgems, ghost train and arcade games will be back, along with improvements like an Edwardian tea room and new facilities for younger visitors.