A spectacular homage to British seaside holiday entertainment has been unveiled to mark nine decades of the famous holiday camp brand.
The classic Butlin’s Redcoat uniform has been transformed into a gem-encrusted masterpiece by costume specialist Tim Simpson from Plunge Creations in Portslade.
The garment boasts more than 32,000 crimson rhinestones.
Tim, whose reputation was built on designing costumes for ITV’s The Masked Singer, explained that the aim was to take something universally recognised and turn it into a dazzling stage-worthy creation. The Redcoat uniform already holds iconic status, so the objective was to pay tribute to that history while amplifying the sparkle. The team expressed immense pride in contributing to this milestone occasion.
This custom-designed garment was crafted specifically for Butlin’s 90th anniversary and was first displayed at the Skegness location, where the original resort began operations back in 1936.
Three costume specialists devoted 91 hours to its creation, resulting in a weight of 4.5 kilograms – approximately eight times the mass of a conventional Redcoat jacket.
The design also incorporates a commemorative anniversary ‘R’ emblem composed of 90 stones.
Mike Godolphin, who serves as entertainment director at Butlin’s and previously worked as a Redcoat himself, noted that for the past 90 years these entertainers have been central to the Butlin’s experience, delivering enthusiasm, character and first-rate family entertainment throughout Britain. The crystal-covered Redcoat not only commemorates this distinguished history but also demonstrates how the Redcoat position continues to develop for contemporary audiences.
Over the course of nine decades, more than 15,000 Redcoats have sported the famous uniform.
The position, celebrated for its vigour and friendliness, has served as a springboard for numerous well-known performers including Stephen Mulhern, Sir Cliff Richard and H from Steps. It has also been worn by Naomi Wilkinson and the late Des O’Connor.
The embellished Redcoat jacket is now being sold via auction with proceeds benefiting Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity. Butlin’s has maintained a partnership with the charity for more than ten years, a connection that originated in 1977 when founder Billy Butlin provided funding for the hospital’s inaugural paediatric CT scanner.
The auction supports GOSH’s Build it. Beat it. initiative, which seeks to finance a cutting-edge Children’s Cancer Centre at the London facility. The auction commenced recently and concludes on April 30.
Plunge Creations, operating from Portslade, has established itself in costume and prop design. The studio has produced puppets and outfits for The Masked Singer alongside ITV’s Big Heads. The company has also produced large-scale installations for Liberty, Harrods and Universal Pictures. The firm has gained recognition for its creative installations at London St Pancras International station, having designed themed Christmas trees at the venue for a decade. Former creations encompass a bookshelf tree, a Wicked-themed tree and a city skyline tree.
The Redcoat undertaking further cements Plunge Creations’ standing for producing striking, inventive designs.
Bids for the rhinestone Redcoat jacket can be placed at uk.givergy.com/ButlinsRedcoatAuction.
The iconic garment functions both as a glittering tribute to Butlin’s heritage and as a significant contribution to a cause assisting children and families. It represents a celebration of entertainment history and future possibilities, creative expertise and the spirit of generosity. The Redcoat endures as an emblem of happiness and hospitality, reborn with added glamour for modern times.