We headed down to Alton Towers Mardi Gras 2021 for opening day as this fabulous festival is now in full swing until June 20th but it’s not without its faults.
From May 22nd until June 20th Mardi Gras at Alton Towers will be transformed into a fun festive atmosphere with live performances, street food from across the world and carnival-inspired costumes.
Stepping out onto Towers street with numerous events that Alton Towers put on you expect the entrance to be absolutely plastered with decoration, and this was no exception.
Mardi Gras bunting lined the street, various stages were set up down the main stretch and two giant inflatables greeted you by the entryway with fans sounding like jumbo-jets providing a very unique Heathrow airport-style arrival to the park.
Numerous ‘Krewe’ from each area of the park had their own stage set-up down Towers street where at the beginning and end of every day would line up and perform on their own respective stages.
Unfortunately, this wasn’t advertised anywhere and we already arrived late to the park and missed the morning parade.
Nevermind. We could catch them later.
But advertising events was an issue throughout the day as around the park in each zone were beautifully constructed and detailed stages where the krewe would perform their own routines.
Another advertising issue here as there were absolutely no times displayed in which you could go and see the performances and nowhere to check when they would arrive, it was done in a very flash-mob style where if you missed it, tough.
Live performances took places on the main stage all day on the front lawn and a food street (near the Towers) provided a whole host of mouthwatering treats to sample from across the world.
With Oktoberfest and Scarefest, the food and drinks stalls were on the main lawn so you could grab a bite to eat, have a drink and watch some live entertainment.
God knows why Mardi Gras was different as around the main stage there was absolutely nowhere to grab food or drink so this area was empty from start to finish all day with the plethora of tables being only 5% occupied at any given moment.
Why on earth they didn’t have food and drink stalls around the main stage which is meant to be the main focus of the days performances is beyond me.
They clearly saw how successful it was at Oktoberfest and Scarefest with the atmosphere electric throughout that celebration but Mardi Gras, a celebration of festive atmosphere and performances was about as dead as a doornail.
Entertainment soon moved up towards ‘Food Street’ and this was the only place on the park all day that had atmosphere from start to finish.
It was truly beautiful.
Food stalls lined the street.
Stilt walkers greeted guests and a live jazz band were strolling up and down the street playing some catchy tunes.
All the benches were full, live music in full swing and delicious food on the go.
Why, oh why did they not do this up by the main stage.
That poor place looked baron all day with the only people down by the stage being Alton Towers events crew wondering where on earth everyone was (we overheard, accidentally on purpose, some conversations).
Alton Towers Mardi Gras Food Review
This one street, this one lively and beautiful street will keep me coming back multiple times during Alton Towers Mardi Gras.
From Yorkshire Pudding Wraps to street noodles there was so much on offer and the aroma in the air was like heaven to my senses.
For dinner, I sampled New York Noodles and after a delightful portion of Beef Noodles with Sweet Chilli, Onions and more I felt this warm sense of festive atmosphere.
You know when you got to a Christmas Market and the smell of Irish Coffee and more lingers in the air and you get that magical feeling of atmosphere.
Well, it was like that.
A rare occurrence in my calendar year when you just feel contempt with life and appreciate everything that happens at that very moment.
That feeling was short-lived until that same afternoon after having a wrap that was drowning in sauce, me thinking it was a cajun sauce or spice took a large bite.
It was chilli sauce.
Not just any chilli sauce, quite a devastatingly hot chilli sauce.
WHY would you do that to me?!
I didn’t even ask for it!
Ruined.
Alton Towers Mardi Gras Review
With delightful food, wonderfully designed costumes and more there was an atmosphere at Alton Towers if albeit condensed into one magical street in the park.
I thought the ‘Krewes’ were a little pointless with very little in the way of choreographed performances instead opting for beautiful costumes and not much other than what myself and a few friends could perform after a few drinks.
It just seemed a wasted opportunity with large portions of the park having zero atmosphere when it should run through the park like rainbow coloured blood through the veins.
It just felt a little vacant in places which is a shame but it’s a new event and one they can chop and change as the days go by.
A bit of a rocky start but it certainly has potential.
I just wish UK parks put in as much effort as our friends over at Universal or Disney.
They know their audience, they go above and beyond and it pays off with an electric and addictive atmosphere.
Alton Towers Mardi Gras 2021 review by Sean Evans
