Halloween ‘Scream’ park criticised for being ‘degrading’
A Halloween ‘scream’ park had been criticised as being ‘degrading and humiliating’ for featuring a simulated sex ordeal.
The Scare Kingdom Scream Park in Ribble Valley, Lancashire, is marketed as a ‘top Halloween destination’ and promises a ‘unique and seriously twisted journey’.
But organisers have been slammed by charity Rape Crisis for a section which sees visitors strapped to a bed with a cushion put on their faces, before a man climbs on top of them.
Organisers AtmosFEAR! Scare Entertainment defended the ‘Psychomanteum’, which is separate to the main attraction, for over 18s only and requires an additional charge.
They said it was up to visitors whether they entered and they must sign a disclaimer before taking part, stating they know they will be manhandled, it will be sexually explicit and a bag may be put over them.
Jo Wood, a trustee at Rape Crisis, said: ‘I am horrified. We would not support such a degrading, humiliating experience or class it as entertainment."
Psychomanteum is the only part of the Scare Kingdom, held at Hawkshaw Farm Park in the Ribble Valley, Lancashire, that people enter alone. Those who enter are given a ‘safe word’ which enables them to cut short the experience.
In 2011, Scare Kingdom was voted the ‘number one scream park.’
Jason Karl, chief creative executive of AtmosFEAR! Scare Entertainment, said: "Psychomanteum is a strictly 18 plus attraction which is an additional feature of the park.
"We have had many positive reviews and feedback from guests, none of whom have complained of being offended by their experience.
"Attractions of this nature have previously been operated in various scare entertainment parks all over the world."
Diane
Vegas’s Billion-Dollar Secrets – What They Don’t Want Tourists to Know
Visit Florida’s New CEO Bryan Griffin Shares His Vision for State Tourism with Graham
Chicago’s Tourism Renaissance: Graham Interviews Kristin Reynolds of Choose Chicago
Graham Talks with Cassandra McCauley of MMGY NextFactor About the Latest Industry Research
Destination International’s Andreas Weissenborn: Research, Advocacy, and Destination Impact
Graham and Don Welsh Discuss the Success of Destinations International’s Annual Conference
Graham and CEO Andre Kiwitz on Ventura Travel’s UK Move and Recruitment for the Role
Brett Laiken and Graham Discuss Florida’s Tourism Momentum and Global Appeal
Graham and Elliot Ferguson on Positioning DC as a Cultural and Inclusive Global Destination
Graham Talks to Fraser Last About His England-to-Ireland Trek for Mental Health Awareness
Kathy Nelson Tells Graham About the Honour of Hosting the World Cup and Kansas City’s Future
Graham McKenzie on Sir Richie Richardson’s Dual Passion for Golf and His Homeland, Antigua
ADS PRO 
Phocuswright reveals the world's largest travel markets in volume in 2025
Higher departure tax and visa cost, e-arrival card: Japan unleashes the fiscal weapon against tourists
Cyclone in Sri Lanka had limited effect on tourism in contrary to media reports
Singapore to forbid entry to undesirable travelers with new no-boarding directive
Euromonitor International unveils world’s top 100 city destinations for 2025