Alton Towers fans can win a £299 annual pass by taking on this rollercoaster challenge
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Wigan rollercoaster fans can enter a unique challenge across Merlin’s UK parks from August 16 to 23 to win a year of free rides.
National Rollercoaster Day falls on Sunday, August 16, and to mark the occasion, Merlin Entertainments is launching an exciting competition for thrill-seekers in the UK.
The operator behind popular parks including nearby Alton Towers Resort, as well as Chessington World of Adventures, Thorpe Park and LEGOLAND Windsor Resort is inviting visitors to participate in the Straight Face Challenge.
The challenge runs from National Rollercoaster Day through until August 23, offering fans the chance to win a Platinum Merlin Annual Pass that grants unlimited access to Merlin’s top attractions for a whole year.
The challenge itself is simple yet tough – riders must keep a straight face while on rollercoasters at any of the four parks, capture their on-ride photo, and share it on social media using the hashtag #StraightFaceChallenge.
Those who impress the judges could win the coveted annual pass, which costs £299 and includes perks such as four free guest tickets, a free Fastrack ride per visit, a complimentary Coke Freestyle cup with refills, and no blackout dates.
Popular pop duo Jedward, known for their enthusiasm and distinctive hairstyles, were the first to take on the challenge. They faced speeds of up to 81mph on Hyperia, the UK’s tallest and fastest rollercoaster at Thorpe Park, and then headed to Alton Towers Resort to test their poker faces on The Smiler’s 14 loops. Despite their efforts, laughter eventually won out.
Jedward said: “We had such a jepic day taking on two of the world’s toughest rollercoasters in Hyperia and The Smiler, both pushing our hairspray to its limits to keep our quiffs in one piece!
“We are officially issuing the challenge to everyone in the UK, to get to Alton Towers Resort, Chessington World of Adventures, Thorpe Park and LEGOLAND Windsor Resort, ride a coaster and try the Straight Face Challenge to celebrate National Rollercoaster Day.
“Rollercoasters are just too joyful! We dare you to try your best not to crack and see if you can beat our attempt for the chance to win the best prize ever, free rollercoaster rides for a year with a Platinum Merlin Annual Pass.”
Anyone wanting to face the challenge should visit, Alton Towers Resort, as well as Chessington World of Adventures, Thorpe Park and LEGOLAND Windsor Resort between August 16 and 23, purchase an official on-ride photo, and post it online with the hashtag #StraightFaceChallenge.
Laurence Stock, VP GTM - UK & Global Gateway for Merlin Entertainments, highlighted how rollercoasters bring people together: “Every single day across our theme parks, we see people boarding coasters looking nervous and stepping off absolutely beaming.
“Rollercoasters are a great way to connect families and friends – they’re joyful and so memorable.
“The research confirms what we already knew: that rollercoasters are one of the most joyful things you can do, full stop.
“We are world leaders in creating the most thrilling twists and turns for guests for millions of visitors and cannot wait to welcome rollercoaster lovers to our parks across the UK to celebrate the 40th anniversary of National Rollercoaster Day.”
Full terms and conditions and further details can be found at www.merlinannualpass.co.uk