‘Iconic’ UK rollercoaster to close for good and be transformed into new ride for Spring 2024
THRILLSEEKERS in the UK will have a last chance to ride one of the country’s most unique rollercoasters next month before it is closed for good.
The ride has been described as “iconic” by theme park enthusiasts, who said they would be sad to see it go.
Shockwave at Drayton Manor Park is the only stand-up rollercoaster in the country, with riders on their feet instead of sat down as they wizz around the track.
However, the park has announced it will have its last ride on November 5 before it is closed for good, in its current format.
The ride will be reopened next year, but as a different coaster altogether, with seated trains suitable for younger park-goers replacing the current ones.
In a statement, Drayton Manor said: “Thrillseekers! It’s time to take your last stand this Half Term.
“We’re celebrating the history of Shockwave as we give you one last chance to experience this legendary ride in its current form at the ultimate rollercoaster party.
“It’s your last chance to experience Shockwave as we prepare to transform the iconic rollercoaster into an all-new experience in spring 2024, with a brand-new sit-down train suitable for riders as small as 1.2 metres.
“Shockwave has been an incredibly important ride throughout the history of Drayton Manor, opening in 1994 and creating incredible memories for millions of riders for almost 30 years.
“We’re thrilled that these updates will allow new generations to enjoy the ride for years to come and we can’t wait to reveal more on these exciting plans in the coming months.”
Theme park news site Attraction Source shared the news on their Facebook page, saying: “It’s time to Wave goodbye. Drayton Manor have confirmed that Shockwave will close on November 5.
“The park’s iconic rollercoaster will open in 2024 with a brand-new sit-down train for riders 1.2m and above.”
People were sad to see the news, saying they didn’t want the ride to change.
One said: “We’re going on Saturday for our final rides, family went on when it first opened so need to get a last ride in!”
Another wrote: “As an adult, a stand up coaster is the reason I visit this park at all. Would be a shame to remove the park’s most unique thing.”
A third added: “No! Love the stand up coaster!”
However, others were optimistic that it would be a positive change.
One said: “Change is always good. 30 yrs old and it will stand for longer with new trains.
“I think the future for Drayton is going to be great.”
It’s not the only change to be made at the park, with a new “thrill” ride currently being constructed.
The brand new coaster will stand where Apocalypse used to be before it closed last year, with Managing director Victoria Lynn predicting it will be one of the country’s best rides.
She told the Birmingham Mail: “One of the key things we want to say is that in 2024 there will be a new family thrill coaster coming.
“This is going to be one of the best coasters in the UK in my opinion. I think it is important to say we are still doing family thrill and not just kid rides.”
Meanwhile, this rollercoaster designer said you shouldn’t always sit at the front.
And a new £12.5m ride is going to open at Alton Towers.