Darkstar - A major force for tourism

11th December 2009

Darkstar - the sensational laser tag arena is certainly pulling in the crowds with over 20,000 games played in its first nine weeks of operation. The £1.5 million investment has attracted visitors from across the UK, Europe and generated a great deal of interest from the US.

Whilst there have been no close encounters of the third kind, Darkstar is proving to be a major force in the laser gaming universe, with visitors travelling hundreds of miles to experience the thrills of the newest and most exciting laser tag arena in the UK.

The Baxter family has travelled over 800 miles, on two trips from their Edinburgh home, to visit the centre in St.Helens and experience the multi level, 9,000 sq ft ‘Hex’ arena equipped with the world’s most sophisticated Laser Tag technology, DarkLight V5, which has transformed the world of laser gaming.

The Baxters, ardent laser tag fans, heard about Darkstar via the internet and were compelled to visit the Borough to sample the gaming phenomenon first hand. They were so impressed with the venue and its facilities, that they have become avid fans and have encouraged friends and family to make the journey from Scotland to St.Helens and share the excitement. After two visits they are hooked to the Darkstar experience and planning more day trips to St.Helens in the near future.

David Baxter, stated; “ Darkstar is unique, there is no arena like this anywhere in the UK. The arena has three levels full of corridors with high-tech equipment, well placed lighting and great effects. The staff are first class, very approachable and always willing to help.

We enjoy the journey to St.Helens as the gaming experience at Darkstar is one of a kind. We find it excellent value for money and it is very easy to travel form Edinburgh to St.Helens, with plenty of rest areas on the way. We have also found the people in the town to be very friendly. DarkStar is an amazing laser tag experience, truly cosmic - we all love it.”

Darkstar is the brainchild of property developers MBY Ltd and has put the town on the map for fans of the leisure pursuit of Laser gaming.

Lynn Ben-Yousef, Manager says: “ We are delighted by the public’s response to Darkstar. We welcome many customers from across the UK and have received lots of enquiries from Europe and beyond. It is proving to be a hit with all ages and a great leisure attraction with excellent restaurant and conferencing facilities.”

Cllr Ferry, Executive Member for Urban Regeneration & Housing, St.Helens Council, commented;” Darkstar’s phenomenal success is out of world. The unique venue is a triumph for St.Helens, raising the profile of the Borough and encouraging visitors from far and wide. Darkstar has created many employment opportunities in the Town Centre and has proved to be a first class visitor attraction and entertainment first for St.Helens.”