It’s been thrilling rollercoaster fans for 30 years. But now, Alton Towers‘ ‘cherished’ Nemesis has been ‘reborn’.
After closing in November 2022 to undergo an extensive makeover, the iconic Staffordshire-based attraction has officially reopened with a brand-new design and a new name – ‘Nemesis Reborn’.
The rollercoaster’s 250-tonne 716-metre-long white track is now black, with ‘mysterious’ red veins snaking along it. And new audio-visual technology has been implemented, plunging visitors into an ‘immersive experience from the outset’.
Dramatic drone footage was released on Friday showing the ride in action, with fans able to strap themselves in for the first time on Saturday and experience its four full inversions, ‘hair-raising corkscrews’ and ‘nerve-shredding drops’, along with speeds of 50mph and G Forces of 3.5.
The story behind the transformation is that Nemesis is ‘now a predator, seeking vengeance on the shadowy Phalanx organisation that kept it prisoner’.
Alton Towers’ ‘cherished’ Nemesis ride has finally reopened after 18 months of closure, with a brand-new design and a new name – Nemesis Reborn
The rollercoaster’s 250-tonne 716-metre-long white track is now black, with ‘mysterious’ red veins snaking along it
Fans were finally able to ride Nemesis Reborn at its official opening on Saturday
Fans were clearly eager to try out the ride and some even wore Nemesis-themed costumes and make-up for the occasion. But those desperate to give the ride a whirl had a long wait ahead of them, with queue times of over three hours.
However, it seems the wait was worth it.
Eden Smith, 18, who was first in the queue for the attraction, said: ‘It was so cool. I really loved going through the mist. The theming is so amazing.’
On its opening, Nemesis was crowned Europe’s first inverted rollercoaster and went on to develop a devoted global fanbase.
During its original incarnation, it travelled over 800,000 miles, carrying more than 52million people.
Fans were eager to try out the ride. Some wore Nemesis-themed costumes and make-up for the occasion
Those desperate to give the ride a whirl had a long wait ahead of them, with queue times of over three hours
Dramatic drone footage released by Alton Towers on Friday showed Nemesis Reborn in action. Above is a still from the footage revealing its transformation
The video reveals the ‘nerve-shredding drops’ and ‘hair-raising corkscrews’ in store
Theme parkgoers can expect speeds of 50mph and G Forces of 3.5
Bianca Sammut, Divisional Director at Alton Towers Resort, said: ‘Today [March 16] marks the culmination of an extraordinary project – to transform Britain’s most-loved rollercoaster for a new generation.
‘The original Nemesis rollercoaster has been cherished for three decades, making this project a real labour of love for everyone involved in it.
‘We’ve seen an extraordinary buzz across the park as we finally unveiled Nemesis Reborn to guests.
On its opening, Nemesis was crowned Europe’s first inverted rollercoaster and went on to develop a devoted global fanbase
‘We’ve seen an extraordinary buzz across the park as we finally unveiled Nemesis Reborn to guests,’ Bianca Sammut, Divisional Director at Alton Towers Resort, said
Pictured left to right at the opening of Nemesis Reborn are John Burton, Creative Lead at Alton Towers, Bianca Sammut, Divisional Director, and John Wardley, creator of the original Nemesis
‘Judging by their reaction, we’re confident we’ve created a worthy successor that will captivate thrill-seekers for generations to come.’
John Burton, Senior Creative Lead, Merlin Magic Making, said: ‘For three decades the original Nemesis rollercoaster provided an unrivalled experience for countless millions of thrill-seekers – making it one of the most cherished attractions in the UK.
‘So, when it came to bringing it to life for the 21st century, the stakes couldn’t have been higher. That’s why we pulled out all the stops to create Nemesis Reborn.
‘Everyone involved in this incredible project has poured their heart and soul into it to ensure we create a rollercoaster experience that is truly unrivalled and will set the standard for the next 30 years.’
