One of Blackpool Pleasure Beach’s most iconic rollercoasters is due to be refurbished soon, but not before fans get the chance to own a piece of the old model.
The Big One first opened to the public on 28th May 1994 as the tallest and steepest rollercoaster in the world, and it proudly held that record until July 1996, when the Fujiyama rollercoaster opened at Fuji-Q Highland in Japan and took the top spot.
Standing at a whopping 235ft above sea level, the Big One is still currently the tallest rollercoaster in the United Kingdom though.
With its sheer height, numerous twists and turns, sharp elevations, changes in speed, and rapid drops, the Big One has undoubtedly earned itself a reputation over the years as a ride that only the most daring of folk are brave enough take on, and has even built up quite the big fan base because of it.
Which is why Blackpool Pleasure Beach is giving those fans the chance to buy a piece of the rollercoaster from as little as £150.
ADVERTISEMENT
There’s currently nine sections of the track available to order online, with the most expensive part – named the ‘Big One Track Off-Cut’ – having already sold for a whopping £450 in just 90 minutes.
It’s now been a week since the parts went up for sale, and several items have sold-out – including the ‘Big One Track Platform’ for £350, ‘Big One Track Long Platform’ for £230, and the ‘Big One Track Platform Side Handrail’ for £400.
ADVERTISEMENT
Enquiries came in from fans from all over the world, including the Netherlands and the US, according to the Pleasure Beach.
Fans who have already got their hands on a piece said they “couldn’t be happier” with it.
For those who miss out on getting to own a piece of the old rollercoaster model though, Blackpool Pleasure Beach is also introducing a new ‘Walk the Big One XL’ experience this summer that will see people “taken to places the public have never been before” as they take an escorted climb up the 235ft lift hill
As part of the 90-minute experience, fans will be kitted-out in protective clothing and gear, before being taken to two new exciting locations on the ride course to enjoy spectacular views of the ride, theme park, and sea.
Watch the wholesome moment Jude Bellingham gives his jacket to a young mascot to keep him warm
Danny Jones
England supporters are already getting very excited to see Jude Bellingham in the starting 11 ahead of Euro 2024 but the midfielder is winning over even more fans after a clip of a wholesome moment between him and a young mascot went viral.
The Three Lions ended up drawing 2-2 in their second friendly of the international break against Belgium (losing 1-0 to Brazil in the previous game) with Bellingham scoring the equaliser in the final minute of stoppage time.
However, as much as the home fans are looking forward to the Real Madrid star rallying his teammates at the Euros this summer, it was this small but touching interaction with a young kid as the two sides lined up with their mascots just after the walkouts.
Seeing the rain falling and quickly checking in with the small boy sitting in the wheelchair below him, Bellingham rightly offered his pre-match jacket to the little lad to keep him warm.
The reaction online was just as heartwarming too, as countless people jumped on social media to leave comments like, “This is how you know he is Brum, what a nice fella”, “makes me proud to be English” and “Classy as ever from the 20-year-old”.
One person even went so far as to add: “Make this guy captain, wrap him in bubble wrap and take care of him. All youngsters should watch how he conducts himself, absolute professional.”
He wasn’t the only one either, as many eagle-eyed viewers also noted that Manchester City stars Phil Foden and John Stones also gave their jackets to the young mascots standing with him prior to the match. We really do have some lovely lads in this team, don’t we?
Elsewhere, another Greater Mancunian player once again delighted those in the stands and watching back home as Kobbie Mainoo not only made his second appearance and first full start in an England shirt but also earned himself the man of the match award.
The Man United starlet was a late inclusion into Gareth Southgate’s provisional Euros squad, which is likely to change again before the tournament starts, but you won’t find many fans Reds or otherwise wanting him anywhere else other than in the starting lineup.
We’re starting to really like the look of this squad both on and off the pitch and one thing’s for sure, they aren’t just nice blokes – there’s plenty of talent amongst them to win something.
You can watch the highlights of England vs Belgium in full down below:
Indy Man Beer Con will not be returning in 2024 as beloved Manc beer festival ends after more than a decade
Danny Jones
In a gutting bit of news, Indy Man Beer Con have revealed that they will not be returning for 2024 and that last year’s edition of the beloved local festival was their final outing.
Coming to an end after more than a decade of delighting beer fans around Greater Manchester, the North West and the UK as a whole across what they have now looked back on as “10 incredible festivals”, the organisers of Indy Man Beer Con are bringing their successful run to an end.
Following the announcement on Monday, 25 March, founder Jonny Heyes – one of the brains behind Common, Nell’s and Port Street Beer House – said, “The last 12 years have been an amazing journey”.
The independent beer and brewery convention confirmed the news on social media, admitting that it was a “difficult decision” but that they worked with “some of the world’s best breweries” and are full of gratitude to everyone who came through the doors and helped make the festival so popular.
As per Beer Today, Heyes added: “It’s been a huge privilege to witness the UK craft beer scene blossom in front of our eyes, to work with so many fantastic breweries, and witness their creativity, industry, and growth.
“I am humbled that lots of people have taken a great deal of joy and satisfaction from the little event that we’ve spent over a decade putting on. I am beyond chuffed that you chose to spend your time with us deep in the pool at the incredible Victoria Baths.”
The festival went on to note highlights from down the years and urged previous festival-goers to do the same in the comments, citing instances such as the year of the giant cheese wheels, the ‘Beer Trumps Hate’ foam fingers from 2017 and those extremely stubborn temporary tattoos from last year’s festival.
We’ve certainly created plenty of our own memories in our years attending the festival too, and if we had known 2023 was going to be the final one we certainly would’ve poured one out in its memory.
Having made a home at the iconic Grade II-listed Victoria Baths in Chorlton-on-Medlock for four days every year, the Manchester beer festival truly was one of the most highly-anticipated events on the calendar and we’re are genuinely gutted to see it go.
Seeing the reaction from countless other fans online, it’s clear we’re by no means the only ones either.
From one group of fellow beer lovers to another, thanks for the memories and we sincerely hope to see Indy Man Beer Con make a glorious comeback one day.