Following the first update during the Summer, Bianca Sammut, Divisional Director at Alton Towers Resort, has today communicated via email another update on the latest news and developments at the Resort, as we head into the final months of the year. This includes reflections on Oktoberfest, a look ahead to Scarefest, the confirmation that the recently unveiled new-look trains for Nemesis incorporate some recycled components from the former trains, and more.
The full update is published below:
As Autumn sets in, I wanted to take the opportunity to share with you our latest news and developments from the Resort.
With Oktoberfest now over, it has been great to start to reflect on the success of this year’s event. The highlight for me was seeing the lawns come to life in all their Bavarian splendour! The live entertainment to the sights and sounds of the main arena, it all really transformed the space, and our very own Laugh & Scream lager received overwhelming praise. We do recognise the comments on extended opening hours for all our events and it’s something we continue to review and work through with our teams and partners who help make Oktoberfest happen!
Since arriving at the Resort I’ve heard a lot about Scarefest and I am incredibly excited to experience this for the first time this weekend alongside our guests. Whilst you will hear me screaming when it comes to Scare experiences, I have promised our colleagues I will do it all! Watch this space. I have been amazed to see just how much work behind the scenes goes into this event and where the teams feel we can grow and develop Scarefest. Daz Games: Panic brings a new dimension to what we can offer our guests. As the first escape room based scare attraction, the experience will provide something different to budding thrillseekers and add to our range of options. Whilst many Scarefest fans return each year, many also visit us for the first time so we must continue to look at how we are appealing to all our audiences and what we can offer. For me, the re-introduction of a scare zone, Burial Grounds, is a great step toward us moving forward with Scarefest once more.
Outside of our events, it has also been a busy few months across the Resort in our Retail, Operations, Hotels, and Guest Services departments as we continue to drive forward our guest experience.
You will have now seen our new-look Nemesis trains with their black and red design! Another milestone in the project development. The trains have travelled from France and since arriving on-site have been admired by the team. The new-look trains actually have a small proportion of recycled technical components from the former trains. So, for me, there’s something really special about this, as it means there will always be some of this original classic featured in the rebuild as we move forward. They look great and I cannot wait for them to thrill the next generation of coaster-lovers.
Our latest retail items have been receiving incredible feedback from our guests and the Duel Blasters were a particular highlight in the retail calendar for 2023, which all sold out within minutes! Perhaps another ‘shot at this’ is in order? We are also set to reveal something brand-new with our photography partner POMVOM that I am excited for you to discover. I am delighted we have been able to re-introduce our Parent Q-Share. Back with a refreshed process for the remainder of the 2023 season, the new Parent Q Share passes can be collected from Admissions, Resort Box Office, Guest Services, or any Guest Services Hub located on the Theme Park on the day of a visit.
I want to thank each and every one of you who voted in the Theme Park UK Awards 2023. Alton Towers Resort won a total of 11 awards & I am incredibly proud of all the recognition the Resort continues to achieve. This simply would not be possible without you, our fans. Your voice matters a huge amount to our teams, as well as the wider industry, in understanding what our guests love and highlighting everyone’s efforts. The awards shine a light on attractions across the UK and it was great to see so many parks represented at the Awards. Long may this continue and celebrate excellence across the sector.
Finally, I would like to thank those who have invited me to speak at various events lately and to those I have met during these occasions. It has been a privilege to meet even more of our enthusiast community and talk about the Resort to those who love it as much as our colleagues do.
I very much look forward to welcoming you back over the Autumn period, whether that is for spooks during Scarefest, with a bang for our Firework Spectacular, or a festive Christmas retreat.
