Festival Leisure Park in Basildon welcomed record-breaking crowds on Easter Sunday as its much-loved Heroes & Villains Day returned for its busiest year to date.
Taking place on Sunday 5th April, the free family-friendly event brought together an action-packed line-up of entertainment, attracting thousands of visitors from across the region. Families enjoyed a day filled with excitement, with many returning year after year a testament to the event’s continued popularity within the community.
Visitors were thrilled to meet an incredible line-up of iconic characters, including Darth Vader and Stormtroopers, Deadpool, Superman, Hulk, Spiderman, Glinda, a host of Princesses, Bumblebee from Transformers and Pirates of the Caribbean favourites, alongside many more familiar faces from film and television.
Adding to the experience, guests had the opportunity to see a selection of famous character vehicles up close, including the Batmobile, Lightning McQueen and the impressive Transformers truck, creating unforgettable photo opportunities for visitors of all ages.
A standout highlight of the day was the appearance of real-life heroes, as Basildon firefighters attended with their fire engine. Children were given the chance to explore the vehicle and meet the crew, offering a fun and educational experience that proved hugely popular with families.
Younger visitors also took part in the Easter Trail, exploring the Park while collecting treats along the way, with one lucky participant winning a set of Cineworld tickets in the image006.jpgevent prize draw. The Easter Bunny also made special appearances throughout the day, delighting children and adding to the festive atmosphere.
Matthew Chambers, Centre Manager at Festival Leisure Park, said: “We are absolutely delighted with the turnout for this year’s Heroes & Villains event, which has been our busiest yet. It’s fantastic to see so many families returning year after year, alongside new visitors experiencing the event for the first time. Creating free, engaging experiences for the community is at the heart of what we do, and it was wonderful to see so many smiling faces enjoying everything the day had to offer.”
Festival Leisure Park continues to deliver a vibrant programme of free events designed to bring the community together, with more exciting activities planned throughout the year.
