• The sparkling Redcoat, adorned with over 32,000 rhinestones has been designed by The Masked Singer costume designer Tim Simpson
• The bespoke jacket will be auctioned to raise funds for Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity (GOSH) 

Hemel Hempstead, 24 March 2026 - Butlin’s is celebrating 90 years as the Home of Entertainment by unveiling a spectacular, one-of-a-kind Rhinestone Redcoat, hand embellished with over 32,000 red gems.

After 91 hours of work by three highly skilled costume makers, the dazzling jacket was unveiled at Butlin’s Skegness – the first of the brand’s resorts to open in 1936 – as a tribute to the iconic uniform that has defined generations of British family holidays.

Fully covered with rhinestones and featuring a bespoke anniversary Redcoat “R” logo crafted from 90 individual stones, the show-stopping jacket honours nine decades of unforgettable entertainment, personality and guest connection.

It’s estimated that more than 15,000 Redcoats have worn the famous jacket over the past 90 years - making it one of the most recognisable roles in British hospitality and entertainment. 

Hundreds of candidates apply annually to become a Redcoat, but not just anyone can wear one. The successful candidates who are lucky enough to don the famous red uniform go through a rigorous training programme and are selected on personality, talent and guest service skills.

The dazzling jacket, which weighs 4.5kg – nearly eight times heavier than a regular Redcoat jacket – was created in collaboration with costume designer Tim Simpson, best known for his show-stopping costume designs for The Masked Singer.

Tim Simpson said: “This project was about taking something instantly recognisable and elevating it into a true centre-stage spectacle. The Butlin’s Redcoat is already iconic, so we wanted to honour that heritage while dialling up the glamour. What makes it unique is the number of crystals – I don’t think we’ve ever added this many to a garment! The 90-stone anniversary ‘R’ is a small but powerful detail that celebrates this incredible milestone – we’re so proud to have been part of this celebration.”

The famous red uniform has been worn by a number of British household names who started out their careers as Butlin’s Redcoats, including Stephen Mulhern, Nathan Connor, Sir Cliff Richard, H from Steps, Naomi Wilkinson, Des O’Connor, and The Chuckle Brothers to name a few.

Mike Godolphin, Butlin’s Entertainment Director and former Redcoat himself, said: “For 90 years, Redcoats have been at the heart of the Butlin’s experience - bringing energy, personality and world-class entertainment to families across the UK. The Rhinestone Redcoat not only celebrates that legacy but reflects how we’re constantly evolving the Redcoat role for a new generation. We’re blending our heritage with modern creativity as we shape the future of entertainment at Butlin’s, and we look forward to celebrating all of the special memories waiting to be made here in the next 90 years.”

Following its dazzling unveiling, the one-of-a-kind Rhinestone Redcoat will honour Butlin’s long-standing tradition of giving by being auctioned to raise vital funds for Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity (GOSH Charity). The money raised will help support seriously ill children from across the UK.

Butlin’s has been an official partner of GOSH Charity for over a decade, continuing a relationship that began in 1977 when Billy Butlin donated funds to purchase the hospital’s first paediatric CT scanner. GOSH Charity exists to support the hospital’s most urgent needs, striving to give seriously ill children the best possible chance and the best possible childhood.

Butlin’s is currently fundraising in support of GOSH Charity’s Build it. Beat it. appeal - the Charity’s most ambitious fundraising campaign to date, which aims to help build a world-leading new Children’s Cancer Centre at Great Ormond Street Hospital. The new centre will be more than just a building; it will help transform children’s cancer care and save more lives.

Anyone can place a bid in the hopes of winning this show-stopping piece - the auction is now officially live and will run until 30th April. Place your bid at: Butlins Online Auction 2026 | Home | Powered by Givergy