NEWS FROM ALTON TOWERS

THE UK’S SCARIEST RIDE?

Wannabe vampires get put through their paces ahead of Scarefest - the annual Halloween celebrations at the Alton Towers Resort which start this Saturday. Swooping into the Resort on the Air ride, hundreds of aspiring undead turned up with the hope of winning an acting role to scare visitors during the two-week event which runs from the 17th October – 1st November.

Further Details

Escape to the Alton Towers Resort this Halloween. Home to tricks, treats, ghosts and ghouls, there’s a whole host of spine-tingling spooks for all the family across the Resort during Scarefest.

Trick or Treat Doors – Meet Millicent, Molly and Meg at their spell-binding three door cottage. These peculiar witches return each Halloween to shower the children of Alton with tricks….and treats of course!
Scarefest Characters – Our resident spooky friends Patch, Franklin, Skelvin and Phil will be roaming the Resort. Pose for photographs with your favourite character - the perfect Scarefest souvenir!
Duel: Live! – Hidden in Gloomy Wood stands an eerie manor house. Once home to a wealthy Victorian family, the creepy residence is now inhabited by a host of extra spooky spirits – dare you step inside?
Late opening – Theme Park fun is extended to 9pm every night!

Pumpkin ratings will be applied to each Halloween attraction at the Resort to highlight their spook factor, making it easy for parents to choose the attractions most suited to their child’s age.

The fun continues into the evening over at the two Resort Hotels, with spooks and scares to suit all ages. The Alton Towers Hotel becomes inhabited by witches this Halloween, so join in the hocus-pocus and be on the look out for spells and potions….and of course hats and cats! Check into the specially themed Trick or Treat rooms** and challenge the family to discover the hidden prizes…or forfeits! With goody bags for the children and free spooky movies for the duration of your stay, these rooms are extremely popular so book early to avoid disappointment on 0871 222 6672.

Splash Landings Hotel will become Patch’s Pumpkin Hide-out! Help Patch on his mission to ensure the entire Resort is supplied with pumpkins big and small!

With entertainment throughout the evening, youngsters can join Pirate Bill on his ghost hunt, join the mischievous character in Ringo’s spooktacular celebration and dance along to the Witches Show.

Ghost Hunt – Pirate Bill needs your help in finding those hidden ghosts and ghouls
Witches Show – sing and dance along to the songs dedicated to the season in the atrium of the Alton Towers Hotel

Plus, for older children and parents with nerves of steel, one indoor and two outdoor scare attractions** will be available for both Theme Park guests and Hotel residents. Terror of the Towers: What Lies Within* is based within the Gothic Towers upon the Theme Park and challenges victims to brave the evil forces lurking within, whilst The Boiler House** and the Field of 1000 Screams** located alongside the Hotels guarantee real terror, so enter at your own risk…

Prices and Info

Park entrance tickets start at £29 for adults and £22 for kids under 12, or £83 for a family of four when booked in advance online at www.altontowers.com.

Ensure you experience all the Resort has to offer and stayover from just £41.50*** pppn based on four sharing a family room. Trick or Treat rooms carry a £75 supplement. Call 0871 222 6672 to book.


*Terror of the Towers is not suitable for children under 14.

** An extra charge applies.

*** Terms and Conditions apply. Subject to availability.

****Calls to this number cost 10 pence per minute on the BT network, other carriers and mobiles may vary.

For the best ticket deals, visit www.altontowers.com

-Ends-

For further information and images, please contact Frank PR on 0207 693 6999 / 07946069051or email altontowers@frankpr.it



Notes to editors:

About Alton Towers

· Alton Towers Theme Park voted Consumers Favourite UK Theme Park Attraction – British Travel Awards 2007

· The Alton Towers Hotel was voted Best UK Family Hotel by the Mother & Baby Magazine Survey, August 2007.

· Alton Towers Theme Park voted Consumers Favourite UK Theme Park Attraction – British Travel Awards 2007

· The MERLIN ENTERTAINMENTS GROUP is the leading name in location based, family entertainment, which has seen the most successful and dynamic growth of any company in the sector over the last five years. The world’s second largest visitor attraction operator, Merlin has 58 attractions, 6 hotels and 2 holiday villages in 13 countries, across 3 continents. The company aims to deliver memorable and rewarding experiences to its 35 million visitors worldwide, through its iconic global and local brands, and the commitment and passion of its managers and 13,500 employees. Merlin Entertainments operates the following attractions – SEA LIFE including the SEA LIFE London Aquarium, Madame Tussauds, LEGOLAND, the London Eye, Dungeons, Gardaland, LEGOLAND Discovery Centres, Alton Towers Resort, Warwick Castle, THORPE PARK, Chessington World of Adventures & Zoo, Heide Park, and Earth Explorer