It all begins on a Friday night with a casual drink at Inn on the Green—a chance to catch up and unwind with friends. But before long, you find yourself dancing in a 6,000-capacity arena, arms raised, singing along to legends like Fatboy Slim or Madness.
Welcome to Butlin’s Big Weekender in Minehead, the UK’s premier party getaway designed exclusively for adults. At the helm of this vibrant event is Craig Goodwin, resort director at Butlin’s Minehead. “They really are for everybody,” he says. “We take over the resort, turning four venues, each holding over 2,000 people, into a hub of non-stop music, fun, and daytime activities over three unforgettable nights.”
What sets the Big Weekender apart is its scale and precision. This isn’t your ordinary weekend escape with a band on stage — it’s a meticulously curated experience. The Skyline Pavilion transforms into a full-fledged 6,000-person concert venue, hosting major artists and televised events. Recently, Fatboy Slim captivated nearly 5,000 guests across three days with multiple sets, and there’s no shortage of other headline acts on the horizon.
READ MORE: Somerset’s Newest Pupils Beam with Pride in Adorable First Class Photos
READ MORE: Pupils Lead the Way in Heartfelt Remembrance Ceremonies
“We just wrapped up Fatboy Slim’s Weekender,” Craig shares. “He performed on Saturday night and played across other venues Friday and Sunday for a full weekend of his iconic beats. Next up is the Shine On music weekender for indie fans, then the PDC Darts Players Championship Final, and finally the Madness House of Fun Weekender to cap off the season.”
Seamless transformation is key. “Our team excels at switching between family holidays and the Big Weekenders,” Craig explains. “As Christmas approaches, we’ll pivot again, turning the resort into a festive wonderland.”
Behind the scenes, an expert team choreographs every detail. Joe Smith, senior manager of entertainment and leisure, likens it to a dance. “It takes an entire team working closely together to bring the magic to life,” he says. But more than logistics, it’s about crafting an emotional journey. “We want you to revisit your childhood through music—reliving those carefree, joyful moments.”
The nostalgia is strikingly popular. Following recent Christmas ads, bookings for 90s-themed breaks have surged 107%, tapping into guests’ desire to escape the present and re-engage with the soundtrack of their youth. Craig notes, “There’s a big trend in nostalgic breaks and a growing appetite for daytime activities.”
And these aren’t your usual afternoon fillers. Guests can enjoy silent discos with roaming DJs, line dancing under festival lights, and poolside parties with thumping sound systems. “Daytime raves, singalong quizzes, soul strolls — the fun starts as soon as you arrive,” Craig adds.
Friday’s pace eases guests in gently. “We start at Inn on the Green, where people meet over drinks and get ready,” Joe explains. “Then the energy builds—an opening party at the Skyline Pavilion, followed by buzzing scenes at Centre Stage and Reds.”
Saturday kicks into high gear. “Studio 36 hosts headliners like Tony Hadley, Jason Donovan, and Peter Andre,” says Joe. “It’s designed as a full immersive experience from morning until night.”
The attention to detail is deliberate. “If the vibe is relaxed, we arrange the space accordingly. For Ibiza-style weekends, we clear room for maximum dancing,” Joe explains. “Everything is planned around what guests want, not what works for us.”
This tailored approach creates an experience often described as a “Disneyland for adults.” Joe says, “People come to have fun, dress up, and be with like-minded friends—leaving judgments behind. It’s pure, unfiltered joy.”
Beyond entertainment, Big Weekenders are central to Butlin’s year-round strategy. “Running these events all year keeps Minehead lively,” Craig remarks. “We’re the biggest local employer, fostering careers and supporting the community.”
Surprises abound for first-timers. Many are amazed by the scale and inclusivity. “From daytime activities to live bands, pool parties to sports bars — it’s all included, and usually more affordable than expected,” Craig states.
For example, there’s still availability for the Madness House of Fun Weekender in November—three nights with Madness live from just £129 per person.
Looking ahead, 2026 promises exciting lineups featuring Vengaboys, Cascada, Scouting for Girls, and Matt Goss. New additions like Saddle Up Line Dancing and Singalong Quizzes will enrich the daytime schedule in 2025, ensuring the Big Weekender formula keeps evolving with guests in mind.
Joe sums it up: “We want you to let loose, have the best time, and leave with incredible memories. That’s the heart of it all.”