NOVEMBER 24TH 2006 : WIN A STAY AT THE ALTON TOWERS HOTEL
The closed season may be well underway, but there's still plenty going on at the Alton Towers Resort, including a new competition to win a stay at the Alton Towers Hotel.

NOVEMBER 19TH 2006 : ALTON TOWERS HOTEL EXTENSION APPROVED
The Alton Towers Hotel extension - permission for which was sought on September 8th - has been approved, TowersTimes has learnt.

NOVEMBER 18TH 2006 : JOB CUTS AT ALTON TOWERS
It's no secret that 2006 has not been a good year for Alton Towers and this has now been further reflected with the axing of at least 20 members of staff.

NOVEMBER 17TH 2006 : NATURIST WEEKEND GETS UNDERWAY
The Alton Towers naturist weekend, first reported by TowersTimes back in July, is now underway.

NOVEMBER 15TH 2006 : ALTON TOWERS HOTEL EXTENSION SET TO BE APPROVED
An article has appeared in local newspaper 'The Sentinel', stating that the planned extension to the Alton Towers Hotel is likely to be approved at a council meeting tomorrow.

NOVEMBER 13TH 2006 : HOG'S HEAD PLANNING APPLICATION RESUBMITTED
Another new planning application for Alton Towers has been received by Staffordshire Moorlands District Council, once again involving our faithful old friend - the Hog's Head bar and grill.

NOVEMBER 10TH 2006 : HOG'S HEAD PLANNING APPLICATIONS WITHDRAWN
Alton Towers have taken the decision to withdraw both of their planning applications for the Hog's Head bar/restaurant in Fountain Square.

NOVEMBER 7TH 2006 : YOURDAY DVD; NEW FOR 2007
Further details are now available regarding the 2007 season's introduction of an exciting new souvenir option at Alton Towers - 'YourDay'; a high quality, professionally produced 30 minute DVD of, er, your day at the park.

NOVEMBER 6TH 2006 : TOWERS AND GARDENS WEEKENDS
Alton Towers have announced a number of special weekends for this closed season, with the towers and gardens open to visitors between 10am and 4pm.

NOVEMBER 5TH 2006 : FLAG TOWER LISTED BUILDING CONSENT GRANTED
In a period where planning applications seem to be appearing as regularly as autumn leaves on the ground, Listed Building Consent (with conditions) has been granted for works on the Flag Tower.

NOVEMBER 4TH 2006 : ALTON TOWERS' GAMES TO BE OUTSOURCED FOR 2007
A major change in the way that Alton Towers' games are managed and run is planned for the 2007 season.

NOVEMBER 4TH 2006 : NEW FOOD OUTLET FOR FORBIDDEN VALLEY
Further to the news article of October 3rd, detailing a planning application for the demolition of the Hog's Head Bar/Restaurant and erection of a whole new restaurant building, TowersTimes can reveal that further changes are afoot - this time in Forbidden Valley.

NOVEMBER 2ND 2006 : MORE WOODIE NEWS
A news article has appeared in The Sentinel newspaper regarding the proposed 2008 wooden rollercoaster.

NOVEMBER 1ST 2006 : ‘SOUND OF MUSIC’ RETURNS TO ALTON TOWERS
After a successful ‘Sound of Music’ event in the theme park during the 2005 season, you will now be able to experience the classic Julie Andrews film again at the Resort hotels this month.

OCTOBER 27TH 2006 : TOWERS, TREATS AND TRAILS
2007's February half-term week will see a special event - 'Towers, Treats and Trails', which will include paintballing, archery, a number of treasure hunts and the opening of old MacDonald's Farmyard.

OCTOBER 26TH 2006 : PROJECT SHARK
Following the recent information released about Alton Towers’ forthcoming application for a wooden rollercoaster for the 2008 season, TowersTimes can now reveal further details about this exciting project.

OCTOBER 25TH 2006 : 2008 WOODEN ROLLERCOASTER - UPDATE
Further to the news story of 10th October, more information has now come to light about the proposed 2008 wooden rollercoaster, which shows that the location would be the site behind the towers/Cred Street - also formerly known as 'coaster corner'.

OCTOBER 24TH 2006 : FURTHER PLANNING APPLICATION: ADVENTURE GOLF
The recent wave of Alton Towers planning applications has continued with yet another application - this time for an Adventure Golf attraction.

OCTOBER 24TH 2006 : RITA RE-OPENS IN TIME FOR ELECTRIC TOWERS EVENT
TowersTimes is pleased to report that Rita - Queen of Speed has re-opened in time for the forthcoming Electric Towers event.

OCTOBER 24TH 2006 : ACCESS TO 'ROOM 13' FOR ALL PARK GUESTS
TowersTimes can reveal that the Alton Towers Hotels' 'Room 13' attraction will be open to all park guests from 5pm throughout both the Electric Towers event and Adrenaline week. Entry will cost £5, which will include a beer, glass of wine or a soft drink, plus the chance to watch the 'Dance with the Devil' show and can be booked at the Alton Towers hotel reception, between 5 and 11pm.

OCTOBER 23RD 2006 : LOG CABIN ACCOMMODATION FOR ALTON TOWERS?
Towerstimes has learnt that Alton Towers are considering the installation of 'Log Cabin' style accommodation, to complement the park's existing hotels and possible extension.

OCTOBER 20TH 2006 : RITA CLOSED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE
As final preparations get underway for the 2006 fireworks spectacular, Electric Towers, three of Alton Towers' key attractions are closed - including 2005's Rita - Queen of Speed, plus the Skyride* and Runaway Mine Train - which has been unavailable since an accident closed the ride on 20th July.

OCTOBER 16TH 2006 : HOTEL & FLAG TOWER PLANNING APPLICATIONS - FURTHER DETAILS
Further details of the proposed extension to the Alton Towers Hotel, plus the planning applications for electronic communications equipment and a base station for the Flag Tower, are now available.

OCTOBER 16TH 2006 : ELECTRIC TOWERS UPDATE
With little over a week to go until Alton Towers' legendary fireworks spectacular gets underway, preparations are underway for what is set to be a unique event that will delight the crowds.

OCTOBER 10TH 2006 : PLANS FOR 2008 WOODEN COASTER ANNOUNCED
Alton Towers have announced that they have what are described as 'serious plans' for a long-awaited 'Megafobia style' wooden rollercoaster to be built at the park in 2008.

OCTOBER 7TH 2006 : FUNDRAISING EVENT FOR THE ANTHONY NOLAN TRUST
Not to be confused with the forthcoming world record attempt, Alton Towers will be hosting a fundraising event with a difference on Saturday 11th November 2006, with brave participants challenged to spend a night inside the gothic towers themselves, to raise money for The Anthony Nolan Trust.

OCTOBER 6TH 2006 : NO ACTION TO BE TAKEN IN ALTON TOWERS RAPE INQUIRY
Detectives investigating the alleged rape of a 15 year old girl on a school trip to Alton Towers on July 8, 2005 have announced they have completed their inquiry into the alleged attack and that no further action is to be taken.

OCTOBER 6TH 2006 : WORLD’S LARGEST PARAPSYCHOLOGICAL EXPERIMENT TO TAKE PLACE AT ALTON TOWERS
Fright Nights are hoping to break the Guinness World Records by staging the World's Biggest Ghost Hunt on 31 October from 7:00pm – 12:00pm. The ghost hunt, which is to be held at the Alton Towers gothic ruins, allegedly haunted by 15 different ghosts, is expected to attract more than 2,200 people.

OCTOBER 5TH 2006 : ALTON TOWERS NATURIST WEEKEND - FURTHER DETAILS
The Alton Towers Naturist Weekend, first reported by TowersTimes back in July, has now been confirmed for 17-19th November 2006, after fears that the event would not prove popular enough.

OCTOBER 3RD 2006 : PLANNING APPLICATIONS FOR HOG'S HEAD BAR/RESTAURANT AND ELECTRICITY SUBSTATION SUBMITTED
Alton Towers have applied for planning permission for an alteration to the Hog's Head bar/restaurant in Fountain Square, an electricity Substation and the installation of two dishes and three antennas onto the Flag Tower.

SEPTEMBER 25TH 2006 : FINAL PREPARATIONS UNDERWAY FOR GAYDARDAYS WEEKENDER
Final preparations are underway for this weekend's GaydarDays event at Alton Towers. The park will be open as usual to other guests, with a ride close time of 9.30pm - the latest ever.

SEPTEMBER 22ND 2006 : ALTON TOWERS WEDDING GOES OFF WITHOUT A HITCH
A couple whose wedding plans were threatened following the booking of Alton Towers by Islamic Leisure have finally tied the knot at Alton Towers.

SEPTEMBER 16TH 2006 : FIRE HITS MERRIE ENGLAND
A road sweeper caught fire just after 05.00 this morning in Merrie England, causing minor damage to the Merry Mayhem building.

SEPTEMBER 16TH 2006 : ADRENALINE WEEK RETURNS
Alton Towers have announced that last year's successful 'Adrenaline week' will make a welcome return for this season.

SEPTEMBER 15TH 2006 : HOTEL HALLOWEEN INFORMATION
Towerstimes can reveal more information regarding the Hotel Halloween celebrations.

SEPTEMBER 8TH 2006 : RIDE OPERATIONAL CHANGES
Alton Towers have slashed the opening times of major rides and attractions considerably for the remainder of the 2006 season.

SEPTEMBER 7TH 2006 : RUNAWAY MINE TRAIN PRESS RELEASE
Contrary to an early statement, Alton Towers have today published a press release regarding the Runaway Mine Train's scheduled re-opening - which has been postponed until the 2007 season.

SEPTEMBER 6TH 2006 : HOTEL EXTENSION PLANNING APPLICATION - PRESS RELEASE
Alton Towers have today released a Press Statement regarding the recent hotel planning application.

SEPTEMBER 4TH 2006 : RUNAWAY MINE TRAIN RE-OPENING DATE
TowersTimes can exclusively reveal that Alton Towers aim to reopen the Runaway Mine Train on or around the 4th October.

SEPTEMBER 4TH 2006 : HOTEL EXTENSION PLANS
TowersTimes can exclusively reveal that a planning application has been submitted to Staffordshire Moorlands District Council for a "Hotel Extension" of 6,906 sq metres.

SEPTEMBER 2ND 2006 : AT ROALD DAHL DAY - SEPT 16TH 2006
September 16th 2006 sees the latest Alton Towers promotional offer - in celebration of 'Roald Dahl Day', which falls three days earlier on September 13th.

SEPTEMBER 2ND 2006 : ALTON TOWERS HOTEL HALLOWEEN
Details of the Alton Towers Hotel Halloween event have been announced - including a maze and other surprises. Initially thought to have been cancelled, it now seems that a smaller event is taking place at the hotels.

AUGUST 28TH 2006 : ALTON TOWERS THEME PARK - 2007/08 AND BEYOND
Alton Towers have confirmed that 2007 will see no major new attraction at the park, instead investment will be seen throughout the park in areas such as improving the queue line experiences.

AUGUST 28TH 2006 : RUNAWAY MINE TRAIN TO RE-OPEN THIS SEASON
Alton Towers' Mechanical Engineering Manager has stated that the Runaway Mine Train will definitely be re-open this season, following an accident on July 20th, caused by the failure of a component in the coupling mechanism.

AUGUST 28TH 2006 : WOMAN FOUND DEAD AT ALTON TOWERS HOTEL
A dream hen night turned into tragedy at the Alton Towers Hotel on Monday, when a young woman was found dead in the hotel. Her death was not being treated as suspicious.

JULY 28TH 2006 : ELECTRIC TOWERS
Alton Towers have released details of the 2006 firework spectacular, with a unique event based on the theme of 'Electric Towers'.

JULY 28TH 2006 : CANCELLATION OF MUSLIM FUN DAY
Due to a lower than expected volume of ticket sales, Islamic Leisure have backed out of hiring the park for the planned Muslim Fun Day on September 17th. The park will now open as usual on the day instead.

JULY 21ST 2006 : DRIVING SCHOOL OPENS/'GREAT BRITISH' EVENT ALMOST READY
TowersTimes is pleased to report that the new Peugeot Driving School finally opened to the public earlier this week and that, with the 'Great British Bucket and Spade Event' due to get into full swing tomorrow, construction of the Towers Street beach is well underway.

JULY 20TH 2006 : ACCIDENT AT ALTON TOWERS
Six people have been taken to hospital and 26 others treated for cuts and bruises following an accident on the Runaway Mine Train ride at Alton Towers.

JULY 15TH 2006 : ALTON TOWERS HOTELS' SMOKING GOES UP IN SMOKE
Towers Times has learnt that the Alton Towers and Splash Landings Hotels will be smoke-free from July 22nd 2006 - nearly a year ahead of forthcoming government legislation.

JULY 15TH 2006 : WIN ALTON TOWERS FOR A DAY!
An exciting competition has been lauched by Alton Towers, with a first prize not to be missed - the chance to win Alton Towers itself for an exclusive day out with fifty guests.

JULY 12TH 2006 : THE ALTON TOWERS NATURIST WEEKEND
An Alton Towers Naturist Weekend is set to go ahead on 17-19th November 2006. Taking place at both the Alton Towers and Splash Landings Hotels, the theme park itself will be closed for maintenance and Alton Towers have therefore offered the resort to members of British Naturism for this one weekend.

JULY 11TH 2006 : ARE YOU A GAYDARDAYS EARLY BIRD?
GAYDARDAYS at Thorpe Park on 9th September & Alton Towers on 30th September.

JUNE 30TH 2006 : CHANGE OF RUNNING TIMES FOR CORKSCREW AND OTHER RIDES
Corkscrew, Hex, Ug Swinger and Submission's operating hours will shortly be amended, as the park prepares for the opening of both the Peugeot 207 Driving School and a children's play area in the Big Top.

JUNE 23RD 2006 : DRIVING SCHOOL PRESS RELEASE
Alton Towers have published a press release about their latest new attraction. Read it here!

JUNE 23RD 2006 : GREAT BRITISH BUCKET AND SPADE EVENT!
Celebrate Summer at Alton Towers: The Great British Bucket & Spade event!

JUNE 16TH 2006 : BEHIND THE SCENES TOUR DATES ANNOUNCED
Alton Towers have today announced the dates and prices of their eagerly awaited Behind The Scenes Tours.

JUNE 16TH 2006 : ALTON TOWERS HOTEL TO LAUNCH 'SLEEPOVER SUITE'
The Alton Towers Hotel is set to launch the UK's first 'sleepover suite', aimed at girls of all ages and sponsored by Superdrug.

JUNE 8TH 2006 : WORLD CUP WIDOWS RESCUE PACKAGE
Alton Towers' recent quirky promotional offers continue, with the announcement of the World Cup Widows Rescue Package.

JUNE 5TH 2006 : LOONY JUNE!
This month the park is opening its gates again for just £18 per person to enjoy 'a thousand thrills', whilst the hotels are also offering midweek stays for £99 a room!

JUNE 2ND 2006 : BBC 'SONGS OF PRAISE' SUMMER SPECIAL AT ALTON TOWERS
The BBC 'Songs of Praise' summer special is set to be centred on Alton Towers.

MAY 19TH 2006 : MISS ALTON TOWERS COMPETITION GETS UNDERWAY
Forty-five contestants will battle it out this evening for the title of Miss Alton Towers 2006. The winner will be placed in the Miss England 2006 finals.

MAY 19TH 2006 : ALTON TOWERS HOTEL CELEBRATES 10TH BIRTHDAY
The Alton Towers Hotel is to celebrate its official 10th birthday on Tuesday May 30th, by allowing ten children's imaginative ideas for running the hotel to become a reality.

MAY 16TH 2006 : 2006 ALTON TOWERS TV ADVERT HITS THE NATION'S SCREENS
The Alton Towers Resort's new television advert has finally hit the nation's screens.

APRIL 10TH 2006 : EARLY INFORMATION ON HALLOWEEN 2006
TowersTimes has learnt that the Alton Towers' end of season spectacular for 2006 looks likely to be a return of the much missed Halloween Event, which is set to make a welcome comeback.

MARCH 19TH 2006 : THE THEME PARK IS NOW OPEN
The 2006 season starts today the entire park is expected to be open with the exception of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory: The ride which is still in construction and is set to open on it’s original opening day of April 1st. Until then the park should be quiet and many rides should have non existent queues.

MARCH 4TH 2006 : DRIVING SCHOOL ARRIVING IN CRED STREET
Estimated to be arriving in July this year will be the new driving school which will be aimed at children aged 10yrs and below and is sure to be something that kids will love, they will negotiate there own way round the roads obeying the traffic lights and sign posts. It will be the second attraction arriving in Cred street for 2006.

FEBRUARY 25TH 2006 : OOMPA LOOMPAS HAVE ARRIVED
Unusual deliveries have become the norm at Alton Towers recently as Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, The Ride takes shape.

FEBRUARY 23RD 2006 : *PRESS RELEASE* UPDATED RITA SEAT OFFER
The price of a seat for a season on Rita Queen Of Speed has now been lowered to £200.

FEBRUARY 17TH 2006 : HOTELS LAUNCH PREMIER ROOMS
The Alton Towers Hotel is launching a number of premier rooms for guests requiring that extra bit of luxury.

FEBRUARY 17TH 2006 : 2006 BIG PARK CLEAN UP ARTICLE
After months of maintenance Park's ready to dazzle! While the gates have been closed the Park has quite literally been transformed by the Building and Estates team and hundreds of man hours to boot!

FEBRUARY 16TH 2006 : *PRESS RELEASE* CHOCOLATE TOWERS
Famous for satisfying the addictions of the adrenaline junkie, Alton Towers is looking to appeal to a different group of fanatics this Easter– chocoholics – as it transforms itself into Chocolate Towers!

FEBRUARY 16TH 2006 : *PRESS RELEASE* 2006 PARK PRICES
2006 Pricing - Alton Towers offers a range of excellent value ticket prices, with special offers and discounts available on the website – www.altontowers.com

FEBRUARY 15TH 2006 : OWN YOUR OWN SEAT ON RITA
For £300 you could have your own seat on Alton towers’ Speed queen for an entire season in which you would have priority access to use the seat as often as possible within health and safety rulings. Included alongside your exclusive seat would be an Annual pass which will allow you to visit all Tussauds attractions for 12 months, an on ride photo and a T-shirt on your first visit. A percentage of the £300 paid will go to the NSPCC.

FEBRUARY 5TH 2006 : WELCOME BOB THE BUILDER
With the departure of the Tweenies at the end of the 2005 season it looks as though the Cred street theatre and possibly the Cred Street playground as well will be home to Bob the builder for 2006, another much loved BBC children’s character.

FEBRUARY 5TH 2006 : WHAT'S NEW FOR 2006?
We all know that this year's major new attraction is Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, but what else has happened over the closed season? Join us as we take a brief look at what is expected for the 2006 season...

FEBRUARY 4TH 2006 : THE LAST ICE SHOW
It seems that the big top situated in Adventure land will be hosting its last ice show on the last winter weekend in February. The show will cease probably due to cost cutting or because it is no longer possible to do a show with a loud enough audio volume for guests to hear at a comfortable level without it being able to be heard from outside the park.

FEBRUARY 4TH 2006 : INFO ABOUT CATCF GLASS LIFTS
There has been much speculation about the glass lifts and we now can report a few facts.

FEBRUARY 4TH 2006 : CELEBRITY'S RIDE IT OUT
Alton Towers are preparing to help with filming of a new ITV celebrity program.

FEBRUARY 4TH 2006 : BEHIND THE SCENES TOUR
Alton Towers are delighted to announce details of their long awaited Behind the Scenes tour package!

JANUARY 31ST 2006 : KNIGHTS FEAST RE-FIT
InCREDible Ices is not the only food outlet to change for 2006.

JANUARY 28TH 2006 : CRED STREET UPDATE
Incredible Ices is being transformed into a new cafe and the Tweenies have finally vacated the premises.

JANUARY 27TH 2006 : CATCF PRESS RELEASE
New for 2006! Charlie and the Chocolate Factory™: The Ride. A Fantabulous New Attraction at Alton Towers Opens 1st April 2006

JANUARY 22ND 2006 : WINTER WEEKENDS UPDATE
The 2006 Winter Weekends are now well under way, with a slightly different ride line up to that originally advertised...

JANUARY 20TH 2006 : CHOCOLATE TOWERS
From the 8th till the 23rd of April, Alton towers will be getting a lovely sprinkling of chocolate layered across it. If you're a chocolate lover this is one event not to be missed.

JANUARY 18TH 2006 : PARK OPENING BROUGHT FORWARD
The park is currently closed and will now re-open on Sunday March 19th 2006!

JANUARY 17TH 2006 : CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY LOGO
Another logo for Charlie and the Chocolate Factory has been released. View the full news article for more information.