Alton Towers has shocked fans by announcing that one of its most popular rollercoasters is “closing” this year.
Nemesis is described as being “one of the most heart-pounding, exciting and exhilarating rides you will ever experience” – but could this be the end of it? Could Nemesis really be no more?
Well, don’t worry too much, as it’s not quite as bad as it initially sounds.
But for the next two years, the Staffordshire theme park’s iconic alien-themed ride, which first opened back 1994, and has been treating thrill seekers to speeds of 50mph around an inverted track of 250 tonnes of tangled steel’ ever since, will officially be closed to the public.
Taking to social media to share the shocking news today, Alton Towers announced that Nemesis will be closing on 6 November, giving fans less than two months to make the most of it.
The brief announcement reads: “By order of the Phalanx. Nemesis is closing. You have until 6th November to ride.
“Please make your way to Alton Towers in an orderly fashion.”
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The closure of the ride comes after a planning application was submitted earlier this year, which requested permission to carry out major maintenance work to the ride.
This includes the replacement of large sections of the track.
Although no timeframe for the completion of works has been released, it’s expected that the newly-refurbished Nemesis will reopen in 2024 to coincide with plans to celebrate Alton Towers’ 30th anniversary.
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Alton Towers announces its popular Nemesis ride is ‘closing’ this year / Credit: Alton Towers
The news that Nemesis isn’t gone for good will no doubt be a massive relief to all the rollercoaster fans who seemed gutted by today’s closure announcement.
Fans of the ride were quick to share their concern, with thousands commenting on the closure, including one who said: “Nooooo that’s my favourite ride, and my dad helped me conquer my fear of rollercoasters on Nemesis.”
“It will be sad to see it go,” another added.
A third shocked fan said: “Noooooooo!!!!! That was my first ‘grown up’ ride way back in ‘94. Loved it then, love it now. Gutted.”
Giving a little more insight into the reasons for the Nemesis closure, Kate McBirnie – Head of Product Excellence at Alton Towers Resort – said: “Nemesis is Europe’s first ever inverted rollercoaster, which has been exciting thrillseekers since 1994.
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“The legendary rollercoaster is loved by thrillseekers across the UK and beyond, and we want to give fans of the ride the opportunity to experience Nemesis in its current form before it closes.”
Nemesis will be closed from 6 November 2022, and all through 2023.
Featured Image – Alton Towers
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Viral internet sensation SpudBros to launch pop-up at Trafford Centre this summer
Emily Sergeant
Viral internet sensation SpudBros are popping up at the Trafford Centre this summer.
The UK’s most-followed jacket potato creators, SpudBros – also known as Jacob and Harley Nelson – will officially launch their hotly anticipated summer pop-up the iconic retail destination next week as part of Trafford Centre‘s annual summer fair.
Shoppers can get ready for freshly prepared, fully loaded jacket potatoes served up in minutes, all without compromising on quality, flavour, or portion size.
You can pick from fan favourites like the Tram Classic, which is loaded with garlic butter, the signature three-cheese mix, beans, crispy onions, and world-famous ‘tram’ sauce, to the Spudfather topped with chilli con carne, tuna, and coleslaw.
There’s also a range of other flavour-packed options to tuck into, alongside the option to build your own potato, allowing every customer to create their perfect lunch.
Viral internet sensation SpudBros are launching a special pop-up at Trafford Centre this summer / Credit: The Manc Group
“Manchester is by far the most requested location we’ve had since we started sharing our journey online, explained SpudBros co-founder, Jacob Nelson.
“It’s a city that has always seemed to elude us despite the incredible demand, so bringing SpudBros to Trafford Centre feels particularly special.
“Both Harley and I grew up visiting Trafford Centre, so to now be bringing the tram here for a week-long pop-up is a genuine full-circle moment. We’re excited to give people in Manchester a taste of what we do, whether they’ve followed our journey from the beginning or are discovering us for the first time.”
To mark SpudBros’ Trafford Centre debut, some lucky early visitors could be in for a surprise on opening day, as Jacob and Harley have built a reputation for rewarding their community.
While details of what surprises are in store remain under wraps, fans are encouraged to get down early and join the celebrations.
The new SpudBros pop-up concession will be located outside The Great Hall next week (18-25 July), serving signature loaded potatoes daily from 12–8pm.
Featured Image – Supplied
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Trafford Council temporarily bans barbecues, fireworks and more at key local attraction after Dovestone fires
Danny Jones
Trafford Council has issued a limited ban on barbecues, fireworks and more at the beloved public attraction and suburban hotspot, Sale Water Park, following the fires near Dovestone Reservoir.
Wildfires and areas of concern remain around the moorland region, which caught fire last weekend.
After a woman was arrested as part of a wider investigation into a group that accidentally caused the ignition, accidental or not, the Greater Manchester borough’s local authority has temporarily restricted BBQs, fireworks, and any other kinds of naked flame.
This is a proactive and preventive measure by the Council in an effort to avoid similar circumstances as those seen in the Saddleworth and Oldham vicinity, with the sight and smell of the smoke still lingering across the region.
Barbecues, fireworks and naked flames are temporarily restricted at Sale Water Park due to the increased fire risk during the hot and dry weather.
Please help us keep the park safe for visitors, wildlife and nearby communities.
As explained in the official update from Trafford Council, while local residents and tourists alike are welcome to bring picnics and cold beverages as they hope to both beat and enjoy the heat, a serious fire risk is still very much present.
Implementing the ban across Sale Water Park in an effort to protect native visitors, wildlife and nearby communities, increased police patrols will be dispatched across the 152-acre patch of grasslands and artificial lake.
While the Manc nature reserve and popular slice of countryside just beyond the outskirts of the city centre will still be open from “dawn until dusk” throughout the week, security staff will also be on site, ready on standby with water and sand available to safely extinguish any fires.
The Council has also reminded people to park responsibly and avoid blocking access routes in and around the parkland, as recent busy periods during the ongoing UK heatwave have led to congestion in and around the park, which can also delay emergency vehicles.
Visitors are encouraged to walk, wheel, cycle or use public transport where possible.
A Trafford Council spokesperson said in an official statement: “We want everyone to enjoy Sale Water Park safely. However, the current hot and dry conditions mean there is an increased risk of fire, particularly from barbecues, fireworks and naked flames.
“This temporary restriction is a proportionate step to protect people, wildlife and the park itself. Visitors are very welcome to bring cold picnics, but we are asking everyone not to bring or light barbecues while the restriction is in place.
“We’re also asking visitors to park considerately, keep access routes clear and take litter home if bins are full. To avoid the busiest times, people could consider visiting before 9am or later in the evening.”
As for the Dovestone and Tintwistle Moor blaze, the latest is that a suspect’s identity has now been revealed; you can find out more down below.
Emily Sergeant -
21st September 2022 
