What to Expect at a Butlin’s Weekender

If you’ve never been to a Butlin’s Weekender before, you might be wondering what all the hype is about. Imagine a place where the drinks are flowing, the music is loud, the energy is high, and the entertainment doesn’t stop from the moment you check in. Now add themed parties, epic shows, late-night venues, and hundreds of people just as excited as you are — and you’re starting to get the picture.

Whether you’re joining us for the Don’t Tell Mama Weekender or simply curious about what a Butlin’s break looks like, here’s everything you can expect from the country’s most iconic party getaway.

A Full Weekend of Entertainment

Butlin’s is famous for packing an entire festival’s worth of entertainment into three unforgettable days. You can expect:

  • Big-name acts that feel like a mainstage concert, but with better sightlines and fewer queues.

  • Themed shows, cabaret and comedy, depending on the Weekender you attend.

  • Resident DJs keeping the party going into the early hours.

For Don’t Tell Mama attendees, this is where the magic really happens. Think drag excellence, live singing queens, hilarious hosts, and dance-floor chaos all wrapped up in our signature camp energy.

No-Stress Accommodation Onsite

One of the best parts of a Butlin’s Weekender?

No commuting. No travelling between venues. No trying to find your bag at a friend’s house at 3am.

You’re staying right there; meaning it’s easy to pop back to your room to change costumes, recharge, or have a disco nap before heading back out for more fun.

Themed Parties & Costumes Encouraged

Costumes are basically a Butlin’s Weekender tradition. While not every event has a dress code, most people go all-in with fun, silly, creative or full-fantasy looks.

For the Don’t Tell Mama Weekender, themes like Glitter & Glam add a little extra sparkle — but you’ll see everything from low-effort shimmer to full drag transformations. Whether you want to shine like a disco ball or keep it understated, you’ll fit right in.

Food, Drinks & Everything You Need Onsite

From breakfast buffets to bars and late-night snacks, you’ll find everything you need without ever leaving the resort. You won’t need to plan restaurant bookings or stress about where to go for dinner - it’s all there, all weekend.

Multiple Venues, Endless Party Options

A Butlin’s resort is basically a mini-village of entertainment:

  • Big mainstage venues

  • Swimming pool for pool parties

  • Late-night clubs

  • Chill-out areas

  • Outdoor spots for fresh air between shows

If you’re joining Don’t Tell Mama, you’ll experience everything from high-energy drag shows to late-night dance floors hosted by camp icons and DJ collectives.

A Friendly, Inclusive Atmosphere

One of the things guests rave about most is the atmosphere.

Weekenders are full of people ready to have fun, make friends, and enjoy a judgment-free space where everyone can be themselves.

Events like Don’t Tell Mama take that feeling even further, creating a vibrant LGBTQ+ environment where the vibe is supportive, uplifting and gloriously camp from start to finish.

A Proper Weekend Escape

By the end of a Butlin’s Weekender, you’ll have:

  • Lost your voice from singing along

  • Taken more photos than you planned

  • Danced more than you have all year

  • Made memories you’ll be laughing about long after checkout

Ready to Experience a Butlin’s Weekender for Yourself?

If you want a weekend packed with entertainment, iconic queens, big shows, themed parties and wall-to-wall fun, the Don’t Tell Mama Weekender is the ultimate way to do it.

We’re bringing drag stars, hilarious comedy, costume parties and enough camp chaos to light up the entire resort — and we’d love to see you there.

Grab your tickets and get ready for an unforgettable Butlin’s weekend.