Video: Vampire anniversary celebrations begin at Chessington World of Adventures

Chessington World of Adventures has begun a series of events to celebrate the 21st anniverary of Vampire, the park's popular suspended rollercoaster.

The celebrations will run for 21 days, ending on May 1, 2011. Planned events include a special walkthrough "horror maze", temporary additions to Vampire's queue line, character meet-and-greets and fancy dress competitions.

The headline attraction of the celebrations is The Twilight Zone, a temporary addition alongside Vampire. The interactive, walkthrough experience in the dark features live "scare actors". An official video of the maze can be seen below:

In addition to the Twilight Zone, other temporary additions to the park during the Vampire 21st anniversary celebrations are:

• Batty the Vampire - the friendy character wanders around the Transylvania area, greeting guests.
• Real life bats - are featured in the Vampire queue line.
• Free entry offer - the first 21 "Young Adventurers" to arrive in full vampire fancy dress each day are given free entrance to the park.
• Fancy dress competitions - contests take place daily in Market Square.

Vampire is an Arrow suspended swinging rollercoaster, located in the Transylvania area of Chessington World of Adventures. Originally, the ride featured bat-themed trains suspended from the track, but following numerous maintenance issues these were replaced in 2001 by new Vekoma-built floorless trains.

One of the most popular rides at Chessington World of Adventures, Vampire hits a maximum height of 70 feet and a top speed of 45 miles per hour.

Theme Park Tourist will be at Chessington World of Adventures this weekend, and will feature a review of the Twilight Zone soon afterwards.