Drayton Manor's K-Pop Takeover Offers Family Fun with a Musical Twist
If your household echoes with the vibrant beats of K-Pop, Drayton Manor's recent themed event might have been on your radar. The West Midlands theme park launched a K-Pop Takeover for the February half-term, blending Korean pop culture with family entertainment. While the glittering world of K-Pop provided some memorable moments, the true star of the day was the timeless Thomas Land, a perennial favourite for toddlers and adults alike.
The Rise of K-Pop and Its Theme Park Debut
K-Pop, or Korean Pop music, has surged in global popularity, with 2026 shaping up to be a landmark year. Netflix's K-Pop Demon Hunters shattered records as the most-watched original title, amassing 500 million views. Meanwhile, K-Pop bands like BLACKPINK and Stray Kids dominated charts, with seven tracks hitting the UK top 40 in August 2025. The frenzy extended to live events, as BTS's tour announcement triggered a Taylor Swift-style ticket scramble, selling out UK dates in just 30 minutes.
Against this backdrop, Drayton Manor's K-Pop Takeover felt timely. Families, including my daughter clad in her HUNTR/X hoodie, arrived with Spotify playlists primed for the occasion. Tickets started at £19.90, reflecting the limited park operations during winter, but included access to Thomas Land, select rides, and the zoo.
K-Pop Activities: Games, Dance, and a Grand Finale
The event kicked off with K-Pop games on the main stage, where an enthusiastic entertainer led children in red light, green light and sing-alongs to hits like Golden. A dance workshop later saw kids grooving before a sparkly stage, adding to the festive atmosphere. Culinary offerings included Korean-inspired fried chicken at Burger Kitchen, while the gift shop stocked themed souvenirs.
However, K-Pop theming beyond the main stage was sparse. The highlight came with an end-of-day concert, where a trio dressed as a K-Pop girl group performed songs by HUNTR/X, Saja Boys, and Rosé. Accompanied by a water show on the park's lake, the performance drew crowds of bopping kids and adults, with the lead singer impressively hitting high notes in Golden.
Thomas Land: The Undisputed Champion for Toddlers
Despite the K-Pop fanfare, Thomas Land emerged as the real draw. Awarded silver for Best Theme Park for Toddlers in 2025, this Sodor-themed attraction captivated visitors of all ages. Grown adults posed for photos with Thomas the Tank Engine, showcasing enduring nostalgia for the classic show.
Visiting during half-term proved advantageous, with minimal queues on most rides. While Winston's Whistle-Stop Tours experienced a breakdown after a 30-minute wait, smaller attractions like Toby's Tram Express allowed multiple rides without delays. Regular shows featured Sir Topham Hatt (the Fat Controller), with a performer skilled in Makaton sign language, promoting inclusivity for children with communication difficulties—a practice more theme parks could adopt.
Verdict: A Balanced Day Out for Families
Is the K-Pop Takeover worth a visit? For fans, yes—though theming is concentrated on the main stage, the concert alone delighted my daughter, who hasn't stopped talking about it. Concert-only tickets are available for those seeking just the musical experience. Yet, Thomas Land remains the cornerstone of Drayton Manor, offering a reliable and enchanting day out. Just remember to bundle up in a big coat for the British weather.
Overall, Drayton Manor successfully blends seasonal events with its classic attractions, ensuring something for everyone in the family.
