South Shields fair Ocean Beach Pleasure Park confirms reopening plans for April 12 - here's what you need to know about booking tickets, safety precautions and rides

Ocean Beach Pleasure Park has been forced to remain closed for months under covid restrictions, including staying shut over Easter weekend, when a trip to the fair is a popular tradition.

But the park is now set to reopen as restrictions ease under the Government’s roadmap.

Its food stalls have already been open for takeaway, and the Smugglers’ Cove adventure golf opened earlier in the roadmap on March 29

A spokesman for the funfair said: “We are thrilled to announce that Ocean Beach is set to reopen again from Monday April 12, with rides operating from 11am to 8pm.

“We have implemented Covid-19 safety measures to ensure visitors and staff are safe and adhering to Government guidelines. “

Safety measures at the fair include:

:: A new contactless ‘Tap and Play Fun Card’ to replace the previous ticketing / token system. These can be booked online.

:: A new social-distancing plan for each ride

:: Hand sanitiser facilities available around the Park.

:: More frequent and enhanced deep cleaning measures across the Park.

The spokesman added: “Our arcades and indoor attractions will remain closed until May 17, in conjunction with the Government’s roadmap out of lockdown.

"From April 19 rides will operate between 4pm - 8pm.”

Bosses say the pleasure beach has a “We’re Good To Go” mark, which they say is official recognition from Visit Britain to signal that a tourism and hospitality business has worked hard to follow Government and industry COVID-19 guidelines and has a process in place to maintain cleanliness and aid social-distancing.

"The health and wellbeing of our guests and staff is our priority, and the changes we have made will help ensure our guests remain safe during their visit with us. We are also members of BALPPA (The British Association of Leisure Parks, Piers and Attractions),” said the spokesman.

A new appAn app is available by searching 'Ocean Beach' in the App Store & Google Play, or via oceanbeach.co.uk

This allows users to purchase and register Fun Cards online or in person from kiosks, buy ride credits in advance, check and top up fun card balances, and register cards issued prior to the app launching.

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