To mark the 40th anniversary of National Rollercoaster Day on Sunday 16 August, Merlin Entertainments is inviting thrill-seekers to take on the ultimate Straight Face Challenge for a chance to win a top prize.
Running from 16 to 23 August across Thorpe Park, Alton Towers Resort, Chessington World of Adventures Resort, and LEGOLAND Windsor Resort, the competition asks brave riders to keep a completely straight face on their favourite rollercoasters.
Pop duo and rollercoaster superfans Jedward were the first to attempt the challenge, testing their iconic quiffs on Hyperia at Thorpe Park (the UK's tallest and fastest coaster) before heading north to face the 14 loops of The Smiler at Alton Towers Resort. However, the twin brothers failed miserably, bursting into fits of laughter on both rides.
Jedward said:
"We had such a jepic day taking on two of the world’s toughest rollercoasters in Hyperia and The Smiler, both pushing our hairspray to its limits to keep our quiffs in one piece! We are officially issuing the challenge to everyone in the UK, to get to Thorpe Park, Alton Towers Resort, Chessington World of Adventures or LEGOLAND Windsor Resort, ride a coaster and try the Straight Face Challenge to celebrate National Rollercoaster Day."
To enter, visitors must ride a coaster at any of the four Merlin theme parks between 16 and 23 August, purchase an official on-ride photo, and share it on social media using the hashtag #StraightFaceChallenge.
The winner will receive a Platinum Merlin Annual Pass worth £299, offering a full year of access with no exclusion dates, four free "Bring a Friend" tickets, one free one-shot Fastrack per visit, and a free Coke Freestyle cup with two refills.
The launch follows new research commissioned by Merlin Entertainments, titled the 'Coaster Consensus', which highlights the positive emotional impact of rollercoasters:
- 69% of Brits say riding a rollercoaster makes them happier.
- 62% agree that screaming together on a ride makes them feel closer to friends and family.
- 59% report that rollercoasters have created some of their most lasting memories.
- 57% experience an immediate rush of excitement the moment they step off a ride.
- 47% admit they laugh more on rollercoasters than while watching comedy films.
Laurence Stock, VP GTM (UK & Global Gateway) for Merlin Entertainments, said:
"Every single day across our theme parks, we see people boarding coasters looking nervous and stepping off absolutely beaming. Rollercoasters are a great way to connect families and friends, they are joyful and so memorable. The research confirms what we already knew: that rollercoasters are one of the most joyful things you can do, full stop."
Entry tickets across the four theme parks currently start from £34.13, supported by the Government's Great British Summer Savings scheme offering reduced VAT rates on attraction tickets until 1 September 2026. Free entry is available for children under 0.9 metres at Chessington, LEGOLAND Windsor, and Alton Towers, and for children under 1.2 metres at Thorpe Park.
Tickets can be booked directly via the official websites:
