NEWS FROM ALTON TOWERS

Does my ass look big in this?

To celebrate the Alton Towers Resort’s spectacular 80s revival concert taking place on May 23rd, staff across the resort are going back in time with professional 1980s makeovers, which started today on the resort’s resident donkeys, Little George and Granville.

The move aims to pay homage to the wealth of 1980s musical talent, including Rick Astley, Kim Wilde, Midge Ure, Bananarama, Curiosity Killed the Cat and The Christians, who are set to perform their classic hits from the 80s for the resorts one-off concert.

Little George and Granville, who reside on old MacDonald’s farmyard within the resort, were given the makeover by horse hairdressing expert Joan Stott who created the bespoke hairpieces from more than 100,000 strands of real human hair.

The makeover is set to continue in the run up to May 23rd, with all staff being offered a complimentary perm or mullet.

The event is included in the price of a theme park ticket and must be booked in advance, so visit www.altontowers.com to book.

Join in the 80’s fun from 12pm with the acts on stage between 1pm-6pm.

Guests can save up to 20 per cent by booking tickets online at www.altontowers.com. Adult tickets are available for £30.40, £23.20 kids, or £21.60 per person for a family of 3, 4, 5 or 6. With so much to do at the Alton Towers Resort, hotel packages are also available so guests can escape for a short break. Prices start from £69.75 based on four people sharing.

The Alton Towers Resort will continue its celebrations throughout 2010 with a number of other special events. Visit www.altontowers.com for further announcements!

ENDS

Notes to editors:

MERLIN ENTERTAINMENTS GROUP is the leading name in location based family entertainment, and has seen the most successful and dynamic growth of any company in the sector over the last six years. Europe’s No 1, and the world’s second largest visitor attraction operator, Merlin has 60 attractions, 6 hotels and two holiday villages in 13 countries, across 3 continents. The company aims to deliver memorable and rewarding experiences to its 38.5 million visitors worldwide, through its iconic global and local brands, and the commitment and passion of its managers and 15,000 employees.

Merlin Entertainments operates the following attractions – SEA LIFE – the world’s biggest aquarium brand, Madame Tussauds, LEGOLAND, The Merlin Entertainments London Eye, Dungeons, Gardaland, LEGOLAND Discovery Centres, Alton Towers Resort, Warwick Castle, THORPE PARK, Chessington World of Adventures, Heide Park, and Earth Explorer. All brands which are distinctive, challenging and innovative – and which have great potential for growth in the future.