Greater Manchester’s thrill-seekers will soon be able to extend their stay at one of the UK’s biggest theme parks thanks to a new bus service.
Launching this weekend, Stockport-based travel provider High Peak Buses will now run its Sunday and Bank Holiday 199 service through to Hartington, Peak Wildlife Park and Alton Towers Resort.
A new early-evening return journey is also set to be introduced.
Currently, the popularly-used 199 service runs from Manchester Airport to the theme park, stopping in Stockport, Disley, Chapel-en-le-Frith, and Buxton along the way. But with the introduction of the new timetable, additional journeys will be running through the day between Buxton and Hartington, calling at Sterndale Moor and Pomeroy, too.
The new timetable comes into effect from 30 May, and will be in place until 30 August 2021.
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High Peak Buses has said that the introduction of the new bus service shows that “we have listened to feedback from our customers”.
From Sunday 30th May, we will be operating a X99 service from Buxton to Peak Wildlife Park & Alton Towers via Sterndale Moor, Hartington & Hulme End – https://t.co/Ro0Bg8QUTspic.twitter.com/xVXSrQydfU
Speaking on the launch of the anticipated new timetable, Nikos Ntalampiras – Operations Manager at High Peak Buses’ Buxton depot – added: “We are very pleased to welcome customers to this brand-new direct bus service between Manchester Airport, Stockport, Buxton, Peak Wildlife Park and Alton Towers Resort which Skyline 199/X99 provides,”
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“We would encourage as many people as possible to use Skyline 199/X99, to ensure its long-term viability along with helping to free-up the roads through the local countryside to Alton Towers Resort.” he added.
A number of COVID-safety precautions will be in place onboard the Skyline 199/X99, and all passengers are required to wear a face covering, unless exempt.
The new timetable comes into effect from 30 May until 30 August 2021 / Credit: Alton Towers
That’s not all either – consider yourself a nature enthusiast?
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If you fancy getting out to breathe in some fresh air over the summer season, there’s also the chance to benefit from a new deal, as those with a valid 199/X99 bus ticket will receive 25% discount off the cost of an entrance ticket to the Peak Wildlife Park, near Leek – which is also part of the extended route.
You can find more information about the new Skyline 199/X99 here.
Trailer for Clayface gives closer look at Batman villain in new DC film shot in Greater Manchester
Danny Jones
DC have dropped a brand-new trailer for the upcoming Clayface film: a new ‘body horror’ movie by the Hollywood studio and superhero franchise.
Giving the first extended look at the cult favourite Batman villain, it’s set to be one of the darkest and most disturbing big-budget DC projects for some time.
Set to release on 23 October, it drops in just time for ‘spooky season’, and judging by this latest trailer, they’re certainly doubling down on the creepiest sides of the character. If you’re a bit squeamish, we’d say proceed with caution:
It’s certainly a striking reveal and has some of the most mature themes we’ve seen from DC over the years; that’s what you get when you park a supervillain like this.
For anyone who hasn’t come across Clayface before, it is an alias used by multiple individuals in the comics, including Basil Karlo and Preston Payne.
However, this version of the alter ego follows the story of Matt Hagen, a struggling actor who suffers serious disfiguration and experiments with experimental science before embarking on a tale of revenge.
While this differs somewhat from Hagen’s original backstory, without straying into spoiler territory, there’s plenty to be made from the trailer, as you can see.
If you’re wondering what kind of film to expect beyond what you’re now already aware of, it’s worth noting that James Watkins is known for films such as The Woman In Black (2012), Bastille Day (2016), and the heavily nominated James McAvoy-led movie, Speak No Evil (2024).
We were lucky enough to walk past their other major period of filming over in Manchester city centre last September, where the often-used Castlefield doubled as Gotham.
Oasis’ (What’s the Story) Morning Glory? named biggest UK studio album EVER by Official Charts
Danny Jones
You’re damn right: Oasis continue to be MASSIVE as new figures from the Official Charts Company have confirmed that (What’s the Story) Morning Glory? has clocked in as the biggest UK studio album of all time.
The Britpop icons and history go hand in hand.
Yes, according to the latest numbers by our domestic chart-crunchers, only two other albums surpassed Oasis‘ second LP – and they’re both greatest hits collections.
The announcement was made on Wednesday, 22 July, just over a whole year on from those reunion world tour shows at Heaton Park. How fitting.
Starting off by channelling Liam Gallagher energy and quipping that “Oasis vibes are in the area”, they go on to explain the colossal cumulative record.
“Oasis claim one of the biggest honours in British music history, they write, “as (What’s the Story) Morning Glory? is named the UK’s Official biggest studio album of all time, according to new Official Charts Company data.”
Combining UK sales of the record – both physical and digital over the years – along with modern streaming statistics, the sophomore outing from the Britpop giants has amassed approximately 6.2 million UK chart units. Staggering stuff.
Last year’s Live ’25 shows have no doubt helped give an added boost to their metrics, but it’s still gargantuan stuff from the local band.
Yet another incredible stat not just for the Burnage boys but the Manchester music scene as a whole.
2026 looks to be just as big a comeback, by the looks of things.
In case you were wondering who beat them out in the race for the top spot, they were pipped to the post by Queen’s Greatest Hits and the same again from ABBA, two worthy opponents to take third place after.
You can see the rest of the list in full right HERE.
Oh, and Definitely Maybe also made the list, too, coming in at number 39 – making that two in the top 50 even amongst all the compilations.
It feels like last July all over again, doesn’t it? And if now isn’t the perfect time to stick on the title track, we don’t know what is.
Actually, sod it – we’re sticking the full thing on…
Emily Sergeant -
27th May 2021 
