What begins as a laid-back Friday evening with friends at the Inn on the Green quickly transforms into an electrifying experience. Before you know it, you’re surrounded by thousands, dancing in a 6,000-capacity arena, arms raised, singing along to iconic acts like Fatboy Slim and Madness.
Welcome to Butlin’s Big Weekender, an extraordinary adult-only escape that reinvents the party scene in Minehead, offering something truly unique in the UK.
Craig Goodwin, Resort Director at Butlin’s Minehead, sums it up: “These weekends really are for everybody. We take over the resort—four venues each holding over 2,000 guests—for three nights packed with fantastic music, great company, and a lively schedule of daytime activities.”
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Unlike typical weekend getaways, the Big Weekenders are meticulously curated spectacles. The Skyline Pavilion morphs into a concert coliseum, hosting major artists and even televised events. Recent highlights include Fatboy Slim commanding near 5,000 attendees across multiple sets, and upcoming lineups promise more unforgettable moments.
“We just wrapped up the Fatboy Slim Weekender,” Craig shares. “He performed on Saturday night and had sets across other venues on Friday and Sunday. Next up is the Shine On music festival for 5,000 indie fans, followed by the PDC Darts Players Championship Final, and the season concludes with the Madness House of Fun Weekender.”
The seamless transition between family holidays and Big Weekenders is a feat few venues can pull off. “Our team is experienced in switching gears quickly,” says Craig. “As we approach Christmas, we’re already transforming the resort into a festive wonderland.”
Behind the scenes, a dedicated crew orchestrates every detail with precision. Joe Smith, Senior Manager of Entertainment and Leisure, regards the process as choreographed magic. “It takes a whole team working closely with central and resort staff to create this experience,” Joe explains. “It’s about more than logistics—we aim to evoke nostalgia and emotion.”
That nostalgic pull is a driving force. Following new Christmas campaigns, bookings for 90s-themed breaks surged by 107%, tapping into a desire to relive youthful memories through music. “Nostalgic breaks and engaging daytime activities are trending,” Craig notes.
But daytime events at Butlin’s are anything but filler. Think silent discos with roaming DJs, festival-style line dancing, and poolside parties pumped with booming sound. “Daytime raves, singalong quizzes, soul strolls—fun starts from the moment you arrive,” Craig adds.
Friday evenings gently build momentum, beginning with the welcoming atmosphere at the Inn on the Green. “Guests reconnect over drinks, then the Skyline Pavilion ignites the opening party,” Joe details. “As night deepens, venues like Centre Stage and Reds come alive.”
Saturday bursts with energy. “Studio 36 hosts headliners like Tony Hadley, Jason Donovan, and Peter Andre,” Joe says. “Our focus is on flow—immersing guests morning through night.”
Every detail matters. “If the vibe calls for laid-back, we arrange seating accordingly,” Joe says. “For Ibiza-style raves, we clear space for dancing. It’s all tailored to guest preferences, not a one-size-fits-all night out.”
Butlin’s commitment is crystal clear: guests’ journeys and memories matter most. “We want you to leave with more than fun—lasting, meaningful memories,” Joe insists.
It’s no surprise “Disneyland for adults” is a term used to describe the Big Weekenders. “People come dressed up, surrounded by like-minded partygoers, shedding judgment,” Joe explains. “In a critical world, here it’s just pure joy.”
Beyond fun, Big Weekenders are vital to Butlin’s ongoing success. “Our year-round Minehead operation supports jobs and invests in people locally,” Craig emphasizes. “We’re contributing to the community while delivering top-tier entertainment.”
Surprises abound, even for returning guests. “Many are astonished at the size, variety, and what’s included—from live music and pool parties to just relaxing with football on the big screen,” Craig says. “And it’s all included in the price.”
Speaking of price, the upcoming Madness House of Fun Weekender offers three nights of live music starting at just £129 per person—making memorable weekends accessible.
Looking ahead to 2026, lineups featuring Vengaboys, Cascada, Scouting for Girls, and Matt Goss promise continuing excitement. Plus, new daytime experiences like Saddle Up Line Dancing and Singalong Quizzes will expand the fun in 2025.
“Our goal? For you to let loose, have the time of your life, and leave with unforgettable memories,” Joe says. “That’s what Butlin’s Big Weekender is all about.”