Popular summer attraction York Maze won’t open this summer.
In a notice and video message on social media, farmer and maze master Tom Pearcy says: “We have given the current situation much thought, and sadly we have decided that we should not attempt to open this summer.
“Preparations would need to be underway now, and in the current situation it is just not possible to do it safely.
“The safety of our visitors and staff are always our priority, and we believe that despite the financial implications, the right thing to do is to stay closed this summer.”
New attraction mothballed
York Maze was set to open this year on 11th July for eight weeks over the school summer holidays.
Farmer Tom Pearcy first opened York Maze in 2002 and it has grown to become one of the region’s most popular summer attractions, winning a number or regional and national awards.
As well as the giant 15 acre maize maze, the biggest in Europe, it also offers over 20 other rides, attractions and shows and welcomes thousands of visitors a day.
Tom said:
Kids who were some of our first visitors have gone on to work for us joining our extended maze family of over 100 seasonal ‘corn crew’ many of whom return year after year.
As a farmer I’m aware that many vegetable and fruit farms are struggling to find help as they largely rely on seasonal staff from abroad who are not able to come, so I’m encouraging any students looking for summer jobs to try and help out on the land in another way if they can.
York Maze have invested heavily in redeveloping their signature tractor trailer ride experience which was due to open this year.
Says Tom Pearcy “It’s hugely disappointing, as we were looking forward to launching our new trailer ride experience ‘Crowmania 3…Crow big, or Crow home!’ along with our brand new maze theme for 2020, but rest assured we will be making use of this time to make sure that York Maze 2021 will be the most amazing maze ever!”
Although not able to physically welcome visitors this summer York Maze is promising to bring its brand of ‘crazy mazy’ fun to the internet with puzzles, interactive games and shows by the York Maze ‘CORNtroller of entertainment’, Josh Benson.
Tom Pearcy closes his personal online message saying, “On a personal note I would like to thank all of the people working throughout this crisis both on the front line, and behind the scenes to ensure the country can return to normal as soon as possible.
“We will look to make a decision on our Halloween events later in the summer, but until then please follow the government advice, look after each other and let’s look forward to creating some amazing memories together again soon.”