Thorpe Park is set to shudder into the darkness, staying open until 9pm for spine-chilling Fright Night fun this October.

The theme park has announced it will extend its hours for its Fright Nights event, which will run on selected dates from October 4 to November 3.

This year, the park promises a more intense experience, with new attractions and the return of some fan favourites.

Visitors will have the chance to ride Hyperia: Pitch Black, the UK's tallest and fastest rollercoaster, in the dark for the first time.

The coaster, which reaches speeds of over 80 mph and a height of 236 feet, was launched last year and has been a significant draw for thrill-seekers.

As night falls, the park will transform into a horror playground, with scare zones and mazes providing a more immersive experience.

The scare mazes will include a new addition for 2024 called DeadBeat, which promises a unique experience.

The maze, set in an underground venue, will have visitors navigating through a pulsating abyss, with demonic forces closing in.

The park's other mazes, Stitches, Survival Games, and SuperSpark Cinema, will also return, each offering a different form of terror.

The scare zones will be filled with sinister characters, and visitors are warned to be on their guard.

The park's live shows will also take on a more sinister tone, with evil spirits lurking among the crowd.

A new show for 2024, Creature Campus: Looks Can Kill, will feature a dance battle between witches, Gorgons, and other dark entities.

The park will also host a new 4D experience called IT: The 4D Experience, based on the popular horror film.

The experience will take place in Sunset Cinema and will use special effects and 3D projection to enhance the storyline.

Visitors can also take a stroll down Big Easy Boulevard, which will be transformed into a Halloween party street.

However, the park warns that the street will have its own hidden darkness, with ghoulish surprises and frightful tricks.

For those who want to extend their visit, the park offers overnight stays in its on-site accommodation, Thorpe Shark Cabins.

The cabins come with themed interiors, exclusive fast-track perks, and scare maze access.

The park also offers packages that include Fright Nights entry, breakfast, and free parking.

All Fright Nights experiences and attractions will open from 3pm and are recommended for ages 13 and above.

Tickets for Fright Nights start from £39 per person when booked in advance online.

Thorpe Park has been known for its thrilling rides, and this year's Fright Nights event promises to deliver more of the same.

The park's rides, including Hyperia, Stealth, Colossus, and SAW: The Ride, will be part of the Fright Nights experience, with the added thrill of being ridden in the dark.

The park's Fright Nights event is sponsored by Fanta and is set to be one of the most anticipated events of the year.

With a mix of new and returning attractions, the event promises to provide an exhilarating experience for both Halloween enthusiasts and newcomers.