Outdoor stage, pool rules & fewer guests: Hello again, campers
HOLIDAY camp Butlin’s reopened for the first time in four months yesterday – with Diversity star Ashley Banjo surprising early arrivals with a VIP welcome.
The dancer, who will perform with the group at the Bognor Regis resort in West Sussex, was rehearsing on a new outdoor stage, specially built as part of the “new normal”, when Peter Nicholas and his daughter Lucy were the first to come through the gates.
And in a sure sign that the great British staycation is under way, the arrivals were also greeted – at a distance – by Butlin’s mascot Billy Bear and the famous Redcoats.
The resort, dormant throughout lockdown, slowly started to come back to life and the 2,500 guests booked into its three hotels can expect a different Butlin’s experience. Its 6,500 capacity is cut by a third and all activities – such as slots in its £44million pool, entertainment, food and drink – must be booked on an app.
Social distancing means the wave machine will be switched off, one flume will be closed and the pool will be shut for 30 minutes after each 90-minute session for cleaning the changing rooms and public access areas.
But the biggest difference at all three Butlin’s resorts is the new 500-seat outdoor arena. Each sociallydistanced set of wooden tables can seat a family up to eight and, again, has to be pre-booked through the app.
Looking at the stage, flanked by two big screens, Ashley, 31, said: “It is so exciting to be able to rehearse again and start doing live shows. To perform in front of a family audience will be very special.”
Ashley and 11 other members of Diversity have created their own family bubble and been isolating on one floor of the Shoreline hotel at Bognor for the past week.
They will stay together for two months, travelling by minibus to the other resorts at Minehead, Somerset and Skegness, Lincs, over the summer with no home visits. He said: “We’re all doing our own washing and my mum has given us all washing kits so it’s a bit like when we first started.”
The choreographer visited the Bognor resort with his family 15 years ago and taught Redcoats street dance before Diversity won Britain’s Got Talent 11 years ago.
As he went through his dance steps yesterday, thrilled father and daughter Peter and Lucy got an exclusive preview.
Pest control worker Peter, 51, of Grays, Essex, had to rebook three times as the pandemic cancelled their Easter and May half-term holidays. He said: “We are both really excited to be able to spend some quality time together.”
The Butlin’s regulars have already booked swimming and entertainment for their week-long stay with seats for Diversity top of the list. Lucy, 13, said: “I think I’m more excited than dad but can’t believe I have met Ashley as I really wanted to see Diversity.”
Arriving families found social distancing markers, hand sanitiser stations and more space than usual. Mum Colette Christopher (left) has visited for the past two years with daughter Lily, nine, and son Freddie, seven. Freddie said: “I’m so excited to be here – I love everything about Butlin’s.”
Redcoats team leader Rowena Kelly was equally thrilled: “It felt incredible to put my red jacket on for the first time in months. I can’t wait to welcome the guests and see the happy smiles on the children’s faces.”
Butlin’s managing director Jon Hendry-Pickup revealed the indoor Centre Stage venues are part of a Government pilot scheme for how theatres might operate.
Half the 1,300 staff are back at the resort including 26 out of 28 Redcoats with the remaining two isolating as they are classed as vulnerable. Bosses are hoping to bring the furloughed staff back.
Mr Hendry-Pickup added: “It’s great to be back. We hope families will feel safe and the experience is as good as ever.”
I’m so excited to be here... I love everything at Butlin’s
FREDDIE CHRISTOPHER ON RETURNING TO RESORT