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Lucy Devine
Alton Towers' oldest ride is set to close after 44 years.
The news was confirmed by the theme park this week who said that the ride had 'reached the end of its technical life' after running for over four decades.
The Blade - previously known as the Pirate Ship - first opened back in 1980 where it was located in the Staffordshire park's Fantasy World.
Around 17 years later, it was renamed The Blade and moved over to the Forbidden Valley area of the park.
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“Reaching the end of its technical life, the resort will bid farewell to its current oldest ride, The Blade, with it being retired after 44 years of operation,” Alton Towers said in a statement on it's website.
Meanwhile, engineer Mark Hambleton, said: “I've worked on The Blade for 30 years in all weather conditions and it’s been a joy.
“I'll be sad to see it go, but it’s time for its retirement.”
According to Alton Towers, The Blade welcomed half a million riders every year, which is around 450 every single hour.
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But it isn't the only ride the park are saying goodbye to.
Flavio’s Fabulous Fandango and Alton Towers Dungeon will not be returning after the winter period, but there will be something new arriving in the Forbidden Valley, expected to open in 2025.
“Evaluating our line-up of attractions is an ongoing process that occurs at the end of each theme park season, with continued reinvestment in our world-class rides and attractions always front and centre as we look to deliver fantabulous memories to everyone that visits our resort," the park said.
Alton Towers fans are gutted at the news, with one writing on X: "Sad news out of Alton Towers as the park has confirmed that The Blade will be closing at the end of this season along as the parks scrambler."
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While another said: "Rode it ten times in row with my 5 year old last year... Not sure how I break it to him."
A third said: “One of my favourite memories of riding The Blade is sitting on the back rows with friends and family, and seeing who can cheer the loudest as we reach the highest point of the ride.”
Meanwhile, others were pretty angry with the decision, with another writing: "Absolutely disgusting that you remove nostalgic rides without giving people any notice so they can't ride them for one last time."
Another tweeted: "Why remove it without any warning, I know it’s only a pirate ship type ride but there’s no reason not to give people one last chance?"