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
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