For years Kaysha Grocott was afraid to ride on roller-coasters because she was worried she was too big to safely enjoy any white knuckle attraction. Now, after losing almost half her bodyweight, Kaysha is looking forward to a trip to Blackpool Pleasure Beach for a ride on the Big One. And she says shedding more than eight stone i has given her the confidence to change her job, her relationship, and has even saved her life – as well as giving her a chance to have children in the future. Kaysha, aged 32, said: “I struggled with my weight for a long time. I wanted kids, but I was told I had polycystic overies [a condition where multiple cysts are formed, which can make women less fertile and is often linked to being overweight]. “I was quite slim when I was younger. I worked for the NAAFI (Navy, Army and Air Force Institutes) at a camp in Germany and it was quite a party lifestyle. Then I came back to the UK and settled back into a normal life. “I lost control of … [Read more...] about ‘I can’t wait to ride the Big One’
Blackpool big one
The B-Side of the seaside: Exploring the culture behind the bright lights of Blackpool
Entertainment has always been at the heart of Blackpool. Whether it's a trip round the lights, taking in the view from the top of the Tower, tackling the rollercoasters at the Pleasure Beach, watching a show on the pier, or simply enjoying a bag of chips on the prom, there's always something fun to do. But it's not all candyfloss and kiss-me-quick hats - beneath the bright lights also lies a rich heritage and culture to explore. From the Victorian splendour of the Tower Ballroom and Grand Theatre to the Art Deco café at Stanley Park and the world's largest mirrorball on south promenade, there's more to the seaside resort that you might think. Earlier this year a campaign was launched aimed at turning the tide on visitors' perceptions and expectations of Blackpool and urging them to 'take a walk on the B-Side of the seaside' - and explore the arts, architecture, creativity, music, exhibitions and festivals on offer. Speaking about the campaign, a spokesman said: "The B/Side, part … [Read more...] about The B-Side of the seaside: Exploring the culture behind the bright lights of Blackpool
New Icon rollercoaster’s opening date at Blackpool Pleasure Beach revealed – and it’s soon
THE opening of Blackpool's Icon rollercoaster has been hotly anticipated for months - and there's now an official date to go and ride. The ride will be open to the general public at Blackpool Pleasure Beach from Friday May 25. It will be the UK's first ever double-launch rollercoaster and reaches heights of 88.5ft, with drops of up to 82ft. Adrenaline junkies will also get two powerful thrusts of acceleration during the thrilling ride, which has been called "the world's most interactive rollercoaster". During the ride, guests will snake over and around 15 of the park's other rides, including The Big One. Click here to book tickets. Riders will also experience the same acceleration as that felt by a Formula 1 driver. Blackpool Pleasure Beach Managing Director Amanda Thompson OBE, said: “We’ve been overwhelmed with calls and e-mails from people all over the world wanting to know when ICON will open to the public. "I’m so excited to be able to answer and confirm 25 … [Read more...] about New Icon rollercoaster’s opening date at Blackpool Pleasure Beach revealed – and it’s soon
Blackpool Pleasure Beach’s Icon rollercoaster finally has an opening date
After months of anticipation, thrill-seekers have finally been given an opening date for Blackpool Pleasure Beach's new rollercoaster Icon! Riders will be able to take on the exciting attraction on Friday 25th May, when it will be open to the public for the first time. The final countdown is on for fans who've had teasers of what to expect from the £16.25million ride, which will boast 16-seater carriages which reach speeds of up to 85 kilometres per hour (approx 53mph). Blackpool Pleasure Beach Managing Director Amanda Thompson OBE, said: “We’ve been overwhelmed with calls and e-mails from people all over the world wanting to know when ICON will open to the public. "I’m so excited to be able to answer and confirm 25 May! We can’t wait to invite those who dare to ride to Blackpool to experience this truly incredible ride. ICON promises to set hearts racing.” Nick Thompson, Deputy MD of Blackpool Pleasure Beach added: "The launch of ICON is an … [Read more...] about Blackpool Pleasure Beach’s Icon rollercoaster finally has an opening date
Spearing: Time that Blackpool turned draws into wins
Jay Spearing says Blackpool need to overcome their draw habit and start turning their stalemates into wins. Don’t miss the latest football transfer news and gossip from leagues in England, Scotland and Europe with footballwire.co.ukThe Seasiders will be looking for three points when they welcome Doncaster Rovers to Bloomfield Road today having drawn their last two games.It takes their record to 14 draws for the season - the joint highest alongside relegation strugglers Rochdale.Doncaster, meanwhile, are only one behind on 13 meaning the two sides have 27 stalemates between them.Pool come into today’s game on the back of last weekend’s 0-0 draw at MK Dons, a result Spearing believes should give his team-mates confidence.“Going away from home and keeping a clean sheet is a massive thing for any team in the league, especially at MK Dons,” he said.“I know they’re having a bit of a tough time down there but they are a good side.“For us, we … [Read more...] about Spearing: Time that Blackpool turned draws into wins