Ben 10, the smash-hit cartoon hero, is set to make the
award-winning Drayton Manor Theme Park, near Tamworth,
Staffordshire, his new home.
In a move that will delight tens of thousands of youngsters,
Europe's first ever Ben 10 roller coaster ride will open at Drayton
Manor for Easter 2011, following an exclusive deal between the park
and Turner CN Enterprises, the brand's licensor.
Ben 10 is a hugely popular children's programme, broadcast on
Cartoon Network, which follows the adventures of 10-year-old Ben
Tennyson, who is able to turn into a variety of alien superheroes,
each with unique powers, thanks to his mysterious Omnitrix
watch.
The exciting new roller coaster will be part of an amazing
Cartoon Network Street, which will include a fully branded
restaurant and shop, selling Ben 10 merchandise and products
relating to other shows on Cartoon Network.
Children and their parents will get to revel in the world of Ben
10 even before they get on the ride with queue entertainment. Full
details of the ride will be unveiled closer to the launch.
Colin Bryan, Managing Director of Drayton Manor Theme Park,
said: "Drayton Manor has a reputation for firsts. We opened
Europe's first Thomas Land™ in 2008, and we have Europe's
first stand up rollercoaster (Shockwave), as well as the world's
first stand up tower drop ride (Apocalypse).
"Drayton Manor first opened to the public in 1950. Over the past
61 years we have always invested in first class rides and
attractions to ensure our visitors have the best possible day out.
This is why I am confident that this new Ben 10 themed
rollercoaster will be an amazing and popular addition to the
park."
Turner CN Enterprises' UK Licensing Director Graham Saltmarsh
said: "We're thrilled to be launching a Ben 10 roller coaster ride
in the UK, which quite literally is set to take the brand to new
heights! It's very much in line with the action and
excitement that fans associate with their hero and a fantastic
profile-raising event, which enables us to create another touch
point for Ben 10 fans to interact with their favourite
character."
Drayton Manor, the UK's biggest independently owned theme park,
welcomes over 1.2 million visitors every year.