Alton Towers has revealed more details about its upcoming Wicker Man wooden roller coaster alongside new images of the structure.
First announced last month, Wicker Man is the first wooden roller coaster to be built in the UK for 21 years. It is also thought to be the first coaster in the world to blend wood with fire elements.
The roller coaster will be 17.55m high with 618m of track hand-carved from naturally treated timber. The ride will have two trains made up of six wooden carriages, carrying a total of 24 passengers.
It will also include a pre-ride element. The description from Alton Towers states: “Before boarding Wicker Man, riders will embark on a journey into the world of the Beornen, a secret community living in the woods around Alton.
“Lured in by chanting, rhythmic sounds and unseen eyes watching them, guests will ‘be chosen’ to take part in the cinematic ‘pre-show’ before braving the ride itself.”
The images of the attraction reveal a structure featuring an impressive human face on one side and ram’s head on the other, which bursts into flames as the train races through its chest.
Francis Jackson, operations director at Alton Towers, said: “We’ve spent four years creating an experience that is truly spectacular by investing in the latest technologies which combine wood, fire and special effects to give riders the genuine feeling that they will be racing though flames. We can’t wait for everyone to experience Wicker Man when the park opens this spring.”
Alton Towers has invested £16m ($22.5m) in the attraction. Great Coasters International, a specialist in wooden roller coasters, led the development.
Images: c. Alton Towers.
