Summarize and humanize this content to 2000 words in 6 paragraphs in English One of England’s oldest theme parks confirmed last month that it will close some rides this year and cut staff numbers after posting a £2.7million pre-tax loss.Blackpool Pleasure Beach, which has operated on the seafront since 1896, said in its new accounts that it had been struggling with visitor numbers not recovering after the pandemic. Other rides will open later and close earlier this year as it attempts to reduce costs.The park then moved to reassure thrillseekers, saying the measures were part of a strategic review, the site will in fact be open for more days this year compared to 2024 and no more rides would shut in addition to the five announced last month.The theme park, which celebrated its 125th anniversary in 2021, is located in the South Beach area of Blackpool where fairground rides were initially run by travellers.Later, a steam carousel was opened by Yorkshire meat trader John Outhwaite in 1895, before William George Bean started up a pedal-bike monorail.The two joined forces after Bean founded the Pleasure Beach Company in 1896, with iconic ride the ‘Flying Machine’ opening in 1904. Blackpool Pleasure Beach introduced the ‘Switchback Gravity Railway’ rollercoaster in 1906A roller-skating rink was opened in 1909, then demolished in 1935 to build what is the world’s oldest Ice Drome.The theme park was on the beach itself until 1923, when the promenade was extended south on reclaimed land.Blackpool is now home to some of the oldest rollercoasters in the world – the Big Dipper, Blue Flyer, Grand National and Nickelodeon Streak.The ‘Pepsi Max’ Big One was opened in 1994 as the world’s tallest and steepest roller coaster with a top speed of 74mph and a height of 213ft. Blackpool Pleasure Beach theme park is a popular attraction for visitors to the seaside town – and despite being forced to close some rides this summer, its owners are positive about its future Pleasure Beach has also recently unveiled ambitious plans for a new £8.7million spinning pendulum ride, dubbed ‘Project MMXXVI’, which will reach 138ft when it opens next year.And a Pleasure Beach spokeswoman painted a positive picture for the future of the park, telling MailOnline: ‘It has been a challenging few years of trading across the entire industry, and we have undertaken the necessary actions to continue to offer the same amazing experiences to our guests.’We have already undertaken a strategic review and implemented changes; this has now concluded. The changes referenced in the accounts have all been actioned and completed, furthermore there are currently no plans to close any further rides.’We are confident there is lots to look forward to at Pleasure Beach Resort for the immediate and long-term future, beginning with the opening of Launch Pad this spring, and our announcement of an £8.72million Gyro Swing, opening in 2026.’
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