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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
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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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Therme Manchester reveals 90:90 strategy – 90 per cent of the UK population within a 90-minute drive of a Therme
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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.
MORE NEWS
Rainer Maelzer joins Therme Group as chief entertainment officer
Rainer Maelzer, an experiential entertainment innovator, has been appointed chief entertainment officer by Therme Group.
Movie Park Germany reveals new Paramount attraction as part of its 30th anniversary celebrations
Movie Park Germany has opened a new Paramount Pictures-themed attraction as part of its 30th anniversary celebrations, using immersive storytelling and adaptive reuse to reinforce the park’s longstanding “Hollywood in Germany” positioning.
Therme Manchester reveals 90:90 strategy – 90 per cent of the UK population within a 90-minute drive of a Therme
Therme Manchester’s 28-acre development, which will include interconnected glass pavilions that measure 65,000sq m, will be the largest bathing and wellbeing attraction in the world once complete, according to prof David Russell, CEO of Therme UK. 
Efteling expands family offer with new Hooghmoed drop tower
Efteling has opened Hooghmoed, a new family drop tower designed to broaden the appeal of its recently launched Sirene Island themed area and introduce younger visitors to thrill attractions.
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COMPANY PROFILES
Alterface

Alterface’s Creative Division team is seasoned in concept and ride development, as well as storyte [more...]
Taylor Made Designs

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

The company was initially established in 1997. Terry Monkton and Andrew Roberts are the key stakeh [more...]
Polin Waterparks

Polin was founded in Istanbul in 1976. Polin has since grown into a leading company in the waterpa [more...]
+ More profiles  
FEATURED SUPPLIER

Iconic Liverpool attraction opens door to new operators
An opportunity to reimagine one of the UK’s most recognisable towers has been formally opened by Rivington Hark, as St Johns Beacon invites operators and partners to shape its next phase. [more...]
CATALOGUE GALLERY
+ More catalogues  
DIRECTORY
+ More directory  
DIARY

 

09-11 Jun 2026

World Sauna Forum 2026

Savutuvan Apaja, Haapaniemi, Finland
23-26 Aug 2026

Elevate Spa Riviera Maya Edition

The Riviera Maya Edition Kanai, Playa del Carmen, Mexico
+ More diary  
 


ADVERTISE . CONTACT US

Leisure Media
Tel: +44 (0)1462 431385

©Cybertrek 2026

ABOUT LEISURE MEDIA
LEISURE MEDIA MAGAZINES
LEISURE MEDIA HANDBOOKS
LEISURE MEDIA WEBSITES
LEISURE MEDIA PRODUCT SEARCH
ATTRACTIONS MANAGEMENT NEWS
ATTRACTIONS HANDBOOK
PRINT SUBSCRIPTIONS
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