Out of season scare events have become few and far between in recent years so when Fear at Avon Valley announced that they would be opening for a one of summer event we knew we had to visit so on a warm and dry summer evening we popped along to Fear to experience the three attractions they had decided to open.
The New World Order Trilogy attractions, otherwise known as X4, The Core and Vita Nova, all opened for this one of special giving guests the chance to experience the full story from start to finish in order. We arrived and entered via what is usually the exit to the Halloween event. We were greeted by a small drinks marquee, a few food stalls and of course, Fear icons, Trixxie and Chunk, both of whom were wandering around keeping guests entertained whilst they waited the small queue time before being allowed to enter the area where the attractions lay.
The queue really wasn't that long as the team at Fear were really well organised in getting guests in. We were greeted by a soldier who gave the story of X4, handed our group of five three small glowsticks and led us to the attraction. This small introduction really built the tone for the rest of the experience as in between each maze you would meet different characters who enhanced the experience and story. We were then told to go to the door to X4 Blackout and wait.
Spoilers Ahead For The Mazes
We were greeted by the usual character at the beginning of attraction who explained about the story of the maze but this time there was a twist. The power wasn't working and once we descended to the lower levels, only the glow sticks would light our path (Or not). We entered the lift and went down. The doors opened and they weren't joking. It was pitch black. Even with the glowsticks, we could barely see anything. If you put your hand up and in front of you it would vanish, that's how dark it was. This immediately built the tension and put us on edge. We've experienced this attraction a few times in the past with the lights on but there is something even more sinister about the lights not working. As we travelled through, tiptoeing our way along the corridors, the scares hit. The actors inside utilised the darkness to their full advantage and came from every angle causing screams galore from our group of five. It felt like the attraction was going on forever but that was because we were moving so slowly. It all built to a chaotic pitch black finale that genuinely had us jumping out of our skin with a clever use of loud sounds, air and actors. X4 Blackout was incredible and a whole new take on X4 that was utterly nerve wrecking.
Next was The Core. We grabbed our waders and put them on, which was actually surprisingly easy given it was dry and not muddy. Our group of five then got let in and we went for a walk in the flooded tunnels. Our group was very lucky with our run as it was probably the best run I've had. The actors were really going for it. They were lunging, splashing and just creating carnage. We were definitely not welcome in their tunnels. The scares came from so many different angles, from behind bars, from ceilings, from corners. It felt pretty constant. My only criticism of this maze is its never really felt like its had an ending. Don't get me wrong, its a great overall maze but I just feel like I need something big at the end other than leaving the tunnel.
Last but not least was Vita Nova. This time round the normal queue line container was being used as the waiting area to enter the maze so we were put up against the wall and basically had actors shouting at us constantly until we were let into the attraction one at a time. Vita Nova is a wild ride with so many things all happening at the same time. The problem is that it is really hard to review as everyone experiences it different because it is a solo maze in essence. Yes, you will likely bump into other guests at points but for the most part you are alone experiencing the trippy corridors. Its not scary in a conventional way, it plays more with your senses, especially sight and sound.
Overall, Summer Frights was a huge success from a visitors point of view. It bridged the gap between Octobers with a chilled yet scary vibe and some awesome attractions. Fear have created something that wets the appetite for scare season and they really brought the fear in summer. I really hope its been beneficial for Fear as we would absolutely love Summer Frights to return next but who knows.
A massive thank you to Fear at Avon Valley for inviting us down to experience Summer Frights and a huge thank you to all the team and actors who were working the event to make it a very special evening.
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