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NEWS
Alton Towers creates 'gravity-free zone' at home of astronaut Tim Peake
POSTED 19 Feb 2016 . BY Tom Anstey
The gravity-defying stunt aimed to replicate the conditions astronaut Peake is currently experiencing on-board the International Space Station Credit: Alton Towers
Alton Towers has turned UK astronaut Tim Peake’s home street into a ‘gravity-free zone’, also announcing a new space education programme to promote the upcoming launch of its virtual reality rollercoaster Galactica.

Temporarily renaming the street Gravity Avenue, the stunt took place in Peake’s hometown of Westbourne in Sussex. The marketing effort made the street “completely weightless” using a range of illusion and trickery to make people, cars, post boxes, parking cones and benches seemingly float in mid-air.

The gravity-defying stunt aimed to replicate the conditions astronaut Peake is currently experiencing on-board the International Space Station (ISS), where he has been for the past two months and will remain until June this year.

The Galactica coaster will be the UK’s first VR rollercoaster, leading the way for the sector in 2016 as several more are expected to pop up in the coming months. Launching in April, the new ride experience combines Alton Towers’ Air rollercoaster with the virtual experience of travelling through space.



Alton Towers has also marked the launch of Galactica by partnering with the National Space Centre in an effort to support its mission to give young people from all backgrounds the opportunity to learn about the mysteries of space.

As part of this new initiative, the theme park will host a series of interactive shows for kids over the Easter period, where children can go on their own “mission” to learn about rockets, how astronauts live in space and the risk of space travel, with talks delivered by experts from the National Space Centre.

“The nation has been captivated by Tim Peake and his mission to the ISS, so what better place to bring the experience of space travel to life than his home street,” said Gill Riley, marketing director for Alton Towers.

“We want to help make space exploration a reality for the next generation of British space enthusiasts, which is why we have partnered with the National Space Centre. Over the next year, we will support their education programme so more children get the chance to learn about the universe and its hidden wonders.”

RELATED STORIES
  Derek Zoolander turns famous attractions into catwalk runways with viral marketing stunt


In a move benefiting both the visitor attractions industry and Hollywood, Ben Stiller has hit some of the world’s most well-known attractions as he markets the new Zoolander film under the guise of its main character, Derek Zoolander.
  Astronaut Tim Peake to call Liverpool's World Museum from space


British astronaut Tim Peake is set to hold a live Q&A session with schoolchildren in Liverpool’s World Museum while on board the International Space Station (ISS).
  Alton Towers confirms plans for UK's first virtual reality rollercoaster


Alton Towers has confirmed plans to launch the UK’s first ever virtual reality rollercoaster, rebranding its Air ride as Galactica for the all-new space-themed VR experience.
  Is Alton Towers about to unveil a VR coaster?


With Merlin bosses hoping to rekindle interest in Alton Towers after a poor summer, the UK theme park has revealed a teaser for “Something Exciting!”, rumoured to be the addition of virtual reality to its Air rollercoaster.
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OMA completes New Museum transformation with landmark expansion and Oberon restaurant
OMA has completed a major transformation of New York's New Museum, creating a larger cultural campus that combines expanded exhibition spaces with learning, performance, hospitality and public programming.
David Rockwell creates immersive magic destination, The Hand and The Eye
A US$50 million (£44.2 million, €51.2 million) transformation of Chicago's historic McCormick Mansion has created a new destination that combines live magic, immersive theatre, dining and private membership under one roof.
Montana Heritage Center opens with immersive exhibits and US$107 million investment
The Montana Historical Society has officially celebrated the opening of its new Montana Heritage Center, a US$107 million (£79 million, €92 million) destination that combines immersive storytelling with cutting-edge audiovisual technology to bring the sta
Universal launches new theme park model with Kids Resort
Universal Destinations and Experiences has launched a new regional theme park model with the opening of Universal Kids Resort in Frisco, Texas.
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Jobs    News   Products   Magazine   Subscribe
NEWS
Alton Towers creates 'gravity-free zone' at home of astronaut Tim Peake
POSTED 19 Feb 2016 . BY Tom Anstey
The gravity-defying stunt aimed to replicate the conditions astronaut Peake is currently experiencing on-board the International Space Station Credit: Alton Towers
Alton Towers has turned UK astronaut Tim Peake’s home street into a ‘gravity-free zone’, also announcing a new space education programme to promote the upcoming launch of its virtual reality rollercoaster Galactica.

Temporarily renaming the street Gravity Avenue, the stunt took place in Peake’s hometown of Westbourne in Sussex. The marketing effort made the street “completely weightless” using a range of illusion and trickery to make people, cars, post boxes, parking cones and benches seemingly float in mid-air.

The gravity-defying stunt aimed to replicate the conditions astronaut Peake is currently experiencing on-board the International Space Station (ISS), where he has been for the past two months and will remain until June this year.

The Galactica coaster will be the UK’s first VR rollercoaster, leading the way for the sector in 2016 as several more are expected to pop up in the coming months. Launching in April, the new ride experience combines Alton Towers’ Air rollercoaster with the virtual experience of travelling through space.



Alton Towers has also marked the launch of Galactica by partnering with the National Space Centre in an effort to support its mission to give young people from all backgrounds the opportunity to learn about the mysteries of space.

As part of this new initiative, the theme park will host a series of interactive shows for kids over the Easter period, where children can go on their own “mission” to learn about rockets, how astronauts live in space and the risk of space travel, with talks delivered by experts from the National Space Centre.

“The nation has been captivated by Tim Peake and his mission to the ISS, so what better place to bring the experience of space travel to life than his home street,” said Gill Riley, marketing director for Alton Towers.

“We want to help make space exploration a reality for the next generation of British space enthusiasts, which is why we have partnered with the National Space Centre. Over the next year, we will support their education programme so more children get the chance to learn about the universe and its hidden wonders.”

RELATED STORIES
Derek Zoolander turns famous attractions into catwalk runways with viral marketing stunt


In a move benefiting both the visitor attractions industry and Hollywood, Ben Stiller has hit some of the world’s most well-known attractions as he markets the new Zoolander film under the guise of its main character, Derek Zoolander.
Astronaut Tim Peake to call Liverpool's World Museum from space


British astronaut Tim Peake is set to hold a live Q&A session with schoolchildren in Liverpool’s World Museum while on board the International Space Station (ISS).
Alton Towers confirms plans for UK's first virtual reality rollercoaster


Alton Towers has confirmed plans to launch the UK’s first ever virtual reality rollercoaster, rebranding its Air ride as Galactica for the all-new space-themed VR experience.
Is Alton Towers about to unveil a VR coaster?


With Merlin bosses hoping to rekindle interest in Alton Towers after a poor summer, the UK theme park has revealed a teaser for “Something Exciting!”, rumoured to be the addition of virtual reality to its Air rollercoaster.
MORE NEWS
OMA completes New Museum transformation with landmark expansion and Oberon restaurant
OMA has completed a major transformation of New York's New Museum, creating a larger cultural campus that combines expanded exhibition spaces with learning, performance, hospitality and public programming.
David Rockwell creates immersive magic destination, The Hand and The Eye
A US$50 million (£44.2 million, €51.2 million) transformation of Chicago's historic McCormick Mansion has created a new destination that combines live magic, immersive theatre, dining and private membership under one roof.
Montana Heritage Center opens with immersive exhibits and US$107 million investment
The Montana Historical Society has officially celebrated the opening of its new Montana Heritage Center, a US$107 million (£79 million, €92 million) destination that combines immersive storytelling with cutting-edge audiovisual technology to bring the sta
Universal launches new theme park model with Kids Resort
Universal Destinations and Experiences has launched a new regional theme park model with the opening of Universal Kids Resort in Frisco, Texas.
San Antonio Zoo reports $283 million economic impact as expansion plans progress
San Antonio Zoo has reported a US$283 million economic impact for 2025, following a decade- long transformation programme that has seen almost US$200 million invested into the Texas attraction.
Great Barrier Reef attraction set for AU$180 million reinvention
Plans for the AU$180 million redevelopment of Reef HQ Aquarium in Townsville, Australia, are progressing, with the project set to transform the attraction into a global centre for reef education and conservation.
+ More news   
 
COMPANY PROFILES
ProSlide Technology, Inc.

A former national ski team racer, ProSlide® CEO Rick Hunter’s goal has been to integrate the smoot [more...]
RMA Ltd

RMA Ltd is a one-stop global company that can design, build and produce from a greenfield site upw [more...]
Taylor Made Designs

Founded in 1993, Taylor Made Designs supply corporate clothing and brand-enhancing merchandise to [more...]
IAAPA EMEA

IAAPA Expo Europe was established in 2006 and has grown to the largest international conference and [more...]
+ More profiles  
CATALOGUE GALLERY
+ More catalogues  
DIRECTORY
+ More directory  
DIARY

 

23-26 Aug 2026

Elevate Spa Riviera Maya Edition

The Riviera Maya Edition Kanai, Playa del Carmen, Mexico
29 Sep - 02 Oct 2026

Synergy - The Retreat Show

Pical Resort, Valamar Collection, Porec, Croatia
+ More diary  
 


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Tel: +44 (0)1462 431385

©Cybertrek 2026

ABOUT LEISURE MEDIA
LEISURE MEDIA MAGAZINES
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LEISURE MEDIA WEBSITES
LEISURE MEDIA PRODUCT SEARCH
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