Sooty Land coming to Devon!

No comment from famous bear

One of the most famous children's characters in Britain is to make his home in Devon.

Sooty is moving in to Crealy Theme Park and Resort near Exeter.

The small yellow bear, who has been a TV magician since the 1950s, will be the star attraction at Sooty Land, a whole new section at Crealy, with four new Sooty-themed rides, 10 new indoor attractions, and new food and play sections.

He will be joined by long-standing friends Sweep and Soo to give live performances - or as live as you can be when you're a glove puppet - every day at Crealy's indoor arena.

Building work has begun, with Sooty Land expected to open on Saturday 28 May.

To coincide with the announcement, Radio Exe has VIP family tickets to give away this week on air and through an online competition. 

The new Sooty Land rides at Sooty Land are ‘Sooty’s Magic Bus’, ‘Sweep’s Flying Circus’, ‘Soo’s Sweet Balloon Ride’ and ‘Izzy Wizzy Let’s Get Dizzy.’

In a new 'pier' building at the seaside-themed attraction will be the south west’s first interactive Strike Arena, digi-wall ball games, seaside mirror maze, electronic climbing wall, spider climb duo slides, dance tuition studio, giant games room, giant buzz wires, Soo’s music house and Sooty’s TV studio.

Also coming to Sooty Land are: Sooty’s Hall of Fame exhibition with memorabilia and props from the past 70 years of The Sooty Show, Sooty’s Magic & Souvenir Shop, Sooty’s Diner, Sweep’s Hot Dogs, Soo’s Tea Room and an outdoor play park.

Asked about the plans, Sooty was unable to comment, but his friend Sweep squeaked enthusiastically.

Crealy's marginally more articulate general manager Josh Haywood said: “Sooty, Sweep and Soo have been entertaining children, parents and grandparents across the country for over 70 years, and so we couldn’t be more thrilled to be partnering with the gang on our new Sooty Land. We can’t wait to open it to the public in May!”

Richard Cadell, who is presenter and owner of The Sooty Show, said: “This really is such an exciting new chapter for Sooty. As I live close to Exeter myself, I’ve always admired everything they do at Crealy, so to be opening up Sooty Land in partnership with the team there is a real honour.

"Live daily theatre performances, Sweep selling hot dogs, amazing rides and  Sooty’s very own magic shop; there’s going to be so much fun to be had for families & fans of Sooty across the country visiting Devon in 2022.”