- Wicker Man is the latest ground-breaking rollercoaster experience from Alton Towers Resort
- It is world’s first rollercoaster experience fusing wood and fire
- Due to launch at the Staffordshire theme park in Spring 2018
Alton Towers has long been a favourite for thrill-seekers across the nation, and those fans will be pleased to hear there’s a new ride being added to the resort.
Wicker Man is the world’s first rollercoaster experience fusing wood and fire.
And for those of you who have seen the 1973 cult classic movie, there is a giant flaming Wicker Man who stands six-stories high in the ride.
The project, previously known as SW8, is the latest in a series of mould-breaking ride launches from the Staffordshire theme park that have helped define the industry.
A world-class team of experts continue to work on the new attraction, led by Great Coasters International, the world’s leading creators of wooden rollercoasters.
The safety of guests has been paramount in the design and build of Wicker Man. The latest in proven safety technology has been used, and rigorous testing is now taking place before launch.
Not only that but ride operating team will undertake hundreds of hours of training between now and the opening so guests know they are “in safe hands and can ride in complete confidence”, the release reads.
Interestingly, it is the UK’s first new wooden rollercoaster experience in 21 years and is set to launch this spring.
Riders must be at least 1.2m tall. Bradley Wynne, Creative Lead at Alton Towers Resort describe the rollercoaster as “ground breaking”.
He said: “We are delighted to finally be announcing Wicker Man as the latest ground-breaking thrill attraction from Alton Towers Resort for 2018.
“Guests will be ‘chosen’ to take part in a celebratory ‘rite of passage’ as they race through the flaming Wicker Man.
“We hope visitors will be blown away by Wicker Man’s breath-taking scale whilst the primal essence of the wooden coaster and astonishing effects will leave them delighted, exhilarated and eager to ride again.”
Thousands have taken to Twitter to comment on how excited they are to ride the Wicker Man.
Lee Wood said: “Wicker Man is coming to the Alton Towers Resort!! Literally am buzzing for the new woodie!! It’s gonna be so awesome.”
Sarah O’Connell added: “Alton Towers is making a #WickerManRide out of WOOD, that is actually on FIRE. It’s their safest ride yet!”
Andy Hine MBE, Chairman of the Roller Coaster Club of Great Britain said: “We’ve been hoping that Alton Towers would invest in a wooden coaster for a long time, and we’re so pleased it’s finally coming with Wicker Man.
“GCI are known for building really exciting, smooth coasters, and this will be a great compliment to the ‘Big Six’ steel rides already at the park. It’s a big investment which is great for thrill-seekers everywhere, and I for one can’t wait to ride it.”
And new for 2018, guests can purchase their Alton Towers 2018 Season Pass for just £55 by visiting altontowers.com meaning customers can pay for a day, and come back all year. (Exclusions apply. Full terms and conditions can be found online.)
