G-Force Magazine - UK Theme Park News & Features
UK Theme Park Industry News & Features
Few structures in the leisure industry become icons of towns and cities. The Pepsi Max Big One is one of the relatively few modern examples that has managed to find fame on tea-towels and postcards that are snapped up by Blackpool holiday makers. There is of course another fine example, the London Eye. The world’s tallest cantilevered observation wheel, residing on the bank of the River Thames. … [Read more...]
Geoffrey Thompson was managing director of the Blackpool Pleasure Beach company from 1976 until his death in 2004, aged 67. Under his watchful eye, the park went through an unprecedented period of growth that saw the installation of some of the park's most iconic rides including Revolution, Avalanche, Ice Blast (Playstation), Pepsi Max Big One & Valhalla. The Pleasure Beach was founded by … [Read more...]
The Ultimate, Lightwater Valley (Big Country Motioneering / LWV, 1991) The Ultimate opened at Lightwater Valley on 17th July 1991. Since then, the ride has thrilled millions and continues to do so. As the ride approaches its 20th anniversary, we take a look at the The Ultimate and the fascinating story behind its conception and construction. Steel roller coasters are like anything else in … [Read more...]
Nemesis, Alton Towers (B&M, 1994) The year 1994 was perhaps the most important year in the history of the UK industry. Three attractions debuted across the country that would change everything. In Blackpool, we saw the launch of the Pepsi Max Big One - the tallest roller coaster in the world at the time. Drayton Manor launched Europe's only stand-up coaster Shockwave and Alton Towers … [Read more...]
If we were to take each of the past 20 years as a song and then compile our greatest hits - 2010 probably wouldn't have made the track list. As the country (and much of the world) drags itself out of the economic downturn, there were some nice changes and additions to various parks and also the sad loss of others. Alton Towers certainly won the column-inches war with their new 'Pyscocoaster' … [Read More...]
