Oakwood Theme Park launched its 'After Dark' Summer event on Saturday where visitors can make the most of the long summer days with 12 hours of fun and entertainment from 10 am until 10 pm (normal opening hours 10 am until 5 pm).

Crowds will be entertained with live singing and dancing on the outdoor stage, a dancing water fountain display choreographed to music and a fabulous fireworks finale. As well live performances, customers will also have the unique opportunity to experience the thrill of riding the world-class rides in the dark.  

Eight hand-picked professional entertainers will be performing hit songs every night to create a real party atmosphere in the theme park. The performers are from the acclaimed Laine Theatre Arts, Masters Performing Arts and Arts Educational colleges in London. The lead singer Hayley Gallivan hails from Swansea.   

Caroline Ashton, entertainments manager at Oakwood said: "This is one of our most successful events and people keep coming back year after year for a night of family entertainment. As soon as darkness falls, the rides are lit up to wow the crowds - it really does look spectacular.

"For those who want a break from the rides they can experience live entertainment from our professional cast who will be entertaining customers in the indoor theatre with popular songs that everyone can sing along to. And then they can head to the outdoor stage for the big finale."

The cast have spent the last two weeks rehearsing their singing and dancing routines to perfection to make sure they're ready to face the crowds. There will be 20-minute performances at 6.30 pm, 7.30 pm, and 8.30 pm in the Premier Theatre featuring renditions of 'Relight My Fire' and 'Crazy Chick'.

The grand finale will be held on the outdoor stage at 9.40 pm, featuring renditions of Kelly Clarkson's 'Since You've Been Gone' and the hit song 'I Believe In A Thing Called Love' by the Darkness.   

Hayley Gallivan, from Swansea who is performing at Oakwood for the first time, said: "We're really proud of the show we've created and are looking forward to showing it off. Oakwood always draws such a great crowd that it will make performing live on stage even more enjoyable and an unforgettable experience. It's great to be doing a show so close to home as all my family will be able to come and join the party!"

At the end of the evening, customers are encouraged to gather on the banks in the middle of the park for the live finale and to see Oakwood lit up with the dancing water fountains and a fabulous fireworks display.