BRITAIN TO BID FAREWELL TO THE NATION’S MOST ICONIC ROLLERCOASTER The Alton Towers Resort announces the end of an era as Europe’s first double loop rollercoaster, the Corkscrew, is to be taken down.
The 1980's was an era defined by icons; Michael Jackson, Margaret Thatcher…and Europe's first double-helix rollercoaster, the Corkscrew, at the Alton Towers Resort. After 28 fantastic years of generating exciting family fun and creating profound memories as the first ever rollercoaster experienced by thousands, the time has come for big kids everywhere to say goodbye to Britain's most iconic ride. On 9th November 2008, the Corkscrew will unleash its double-loop drama for the last time before being taken down.
The Corkscrew, a ride that has led the way for rollercoasters in both Great Britain and the World over, has continued to thrill for almost three decades. Unveiled to an audience of over 30,000 visitors in April 1980, the popular rollercoaster has been a hit with all ages, from the just tall enough, brave 8 year olds to the granddads, riding to prove they're never too old to have fun.
Over the 28 years, the Corkscrew has carried a whopping 43.5 million riders and has travelled over 820,000 miles to date – the equivalent distance of travelling to the moon and back nearly four times.
Russell Barnes, Divisional Director for the Alton Towers Resort said:
"The Corkscrew has played a key part in the heritage of the Alton Towers Resort, and I am sure millions of our guests will look back with fond memories of the first time they were inverted upside down twice within 3 seconds! We are extremely proud to have hosted Europe's first double helix rollercoaster, but it is now the right time to say goodbye to the attraction as we look forward to continuing to pioneer fantastic family entertainment of the future".
The Alton Towers Resort is currently planning an event to celebrate the Corkscrew's 28 years of operation to be held on Sunday 9th November – see www.altontowers.com/corkscrew for more details.
The Alton Towers Resort, part of the Merlin Entertainments Group, is home to the UK's best-loved theme park with 2 hotels, a waterpark, a spa, an extraordinary golf course, and nineteenth century gothic towers. It is located in 500 acres of Staffordshire countryside and offers a unique combination of rides and attractions for all ages, from soft play areas for tiny toddlers to ground-breaking, world-first adrenalin inducing rollercoaster rides.