Synopsis:

This timely documentary follows the team at Alton Towers Resort in Staffordshire, the UK’s largest theme park, as they gear up to re-open after a period of prolonged closure due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Once the government greenlight is given, there are only twelve days to prepare for reopening on July 4th. The pressure is on for Operations Director Francis Jackson and his staff to ensure that the rides and hospitality are fully operational and compliant with new health and safety guidelines.

For the Rides team, reducing the amount of guests on each rollercoaster means a major re-think on how to guarantee enough weight in each train for the rides to function properly. For the Admissions team, social distancing guidelines also pose a real challenge at the main gates when the queues start to build.

From employees returning from furlough, to families and friends emerging from months of lockdown, this is a warm and insightful look at how one of Britain’s most popular tourist attractions balances a business-critical year with giving the country the escape and entertainment we have all been craving.

Alton Towers: A Rollercoaster Year will be shown on Channel 4 at 10.15pm on 3rd November.

The programme has been produced by independent television company Daisybeck Studios in association with Entertainment One.