Alton Towers has confirmed that its forthcoming new rollercoaster will be called Wicker Man.
Described as the world’s first rollercoaster experience that “fuses” wood and fire, the name replaces the previous working title of SW8.
Constructed by American manufacturers Great Coasters International, the ride will have a track length of 2,028 feet, and a rider height restriction of 1.2 metres.
Its public opening date is widely expected to be 17 March, the start of the park’s main season.
A near-60 feet tall Wicker Man structure will serve as the centre piece of the attraction, which will appear to burst into flames as the rollercoaster track passes through several times.
The ride will represent the first wooden rollercoaster built in the United Kingdom for almost 22 years, with the last being Megafobia at the Oakwood theme park in Wales.
‘Astonishing effects’
Bradley Wynne, the ride’s Creative Lead, said: “We are delighted to finally be announcing Wicker Man as the latest ground-breaking thrill attraction from Alton Towers Resort for 2018.
“Guests will be ‘chosen’ to take part in a celebratory ‘rite of passage’ as they race through the flaming Wicker Man.
“We hope visitors will be blown away by Wicker Man’s breath-taking scale whilst the primal essence of the wooden coaster and astonishing effects will leave them delighted, exhilarated and eager to ride again.”
The ride’s artwork has been produced by the artist Kyle Lambert, whose work features on the Stranger Things series and the film Jurassic Park.
The rollercoaster represents a £16 million investment, according to operators Merlin Entertainments.