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.
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Fans can buy a piece of the iconic rollercoaster from as little as £150 / Credit: Blackpool Pleasure Beach
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.
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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.
Following a re-tracking of sections of The Big One, we now have some exclusive pieces of the iconic structure available for sale on our retail website! 🎢
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.
Mancs wanted to take part in a new series of the ‘hardest quiz show on TV’
Emily Sergeant
Call yourself a clever clogs? The BBC is currently looking for contestants to take part in what is widely considered the hardest quiz show on TV.
That’s right – Only Connect is back for another series on BBC Two.
Presented by Victoria Coren Mitchell and first broadcast all the way back in 2008, Only Connect takes TV quizzing to the next level, as it sees two teams compete against each other by finding connections between seemingly unrelated clues.
In this quiz show – which viewers have dubbed one of the most challenging there is – knowledge only takes you so far, as the ability to think laterally is also deemed ‘vitally important’.
A casting call for the upcoming 2027 series has been shared on the BBC website, with people from Greater Manchester encouraged to apply.
Mancs wanted to take part in a new series of the ‘hardest quiz show on TV’ / Credit: BBC
The casting call reads: “The popular BBC Two quiz show presented by Victoria Coren Mitchell returns for a new series in 2027.
“Only Connect is seeking teams of three players OR single applicants or teams of two looking for like-minded teammates to pool their combined wits to solve fiendish conundrums and vexing puzzles.
“This is the quiz series where, as in life itself, knowledge will only take you so far: patience and lateral thinking are also vital. It’s all about making connections between things which may appear, at first glance, not to be connected at all.”
Reckon you’ve got what it takes then? Applications are now open, and all applicants must be aged 18 or over and a resident in the UK or Channel Islands.
Massive student night returns to Trafford Centre next month with up to 50% off on big brands
Emily Sergeant
Students can get themselves up to 50% off on food, activities, and loads of big-name brands at the Trafford Centre next month.
With thousands of new and returning students starting to arrive for the new academic year at Greater Manchester‘s universities, one of the region’s biggest student nights will be making a long-awaited comeback for one night only next month – and there’ll be loads of exclusive offers and free entertainment to make the most of across the evening.
Taking over the Trafford Centre in early October, the popular one-off student night is happening in partnership with Student Beans, and gives cash-strapped students the chance to shop a variety of incredible discounts all under one roof.
Just some of the big brands offering big discounts include 25% off at Levi’s and Boux Avenue, 20% off at Gymshark, Hollister and Abercrombie & Fitch, and 15% off at KIKO, Rituals, and Sephora.
It’s not just retail brands you’ll be able to save some pennies on either, as many of the Trafford Centre’s restaurants and cafes will also be offering discounts and freebies on the night too.
Alongside the offers, students can expect plenty of live entertainment and in-store experiences throughout the evening, including a DJ set and drinks at Calvin Klein, in-store fitness challenges and at Gymshark, an exclusive piercing event at Lovisa, and a Beauty Hub takeover at Sephora.
There’ll also be ‘spin-to-win’ opportunities at places like schuh, River Island, and YO! Sushi.
Massive student night returns to Trafford Centre next month with up to 50% off on big brands / Credit: Supplied
“Student Night is one of the highlights of our autumn calendar, and we’re excited to welcome students for an evening of brilliant offers and feel-good experiences,” explained Simon Layton, who is the Centre Director at the Trafford Centre.
“Whether they are updating their wardrobe, stocking up on beauty favourites, grabbing a bite to eat or enjoying the atmosphere with friends, there is plenty to discover across the centre.
“With simple transport links from Manchester city centre and across the region, Trafford Centre is the perfect place for a student night out.”
The Trafford Centre’s Student Night is happening on Thursday 1 October from 6-10pm, and students can now reserve themselves a spot by registering online HERE.
Emily Sergeant -
18th January 2022 
