Latest news with #LeeBell
Scottish Sun
09-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
I was one of the first to try the revamped ride at Blackpool Pleasure Beach – with new 80mph launch
Plus, a mum has revealed how to pay just £10pp on theme park days out BLAST OFF I was one of the first to try the revamped ride at Blackpool Pleasure Beach – with new 80mph launch IT'S launch day, but this isn't my first rodeo on Blackpool Pleasure Beach's 'new' shot tower ride, Launch Pad. Known as Ice Blast until 2023 and PlayStation: The Ride before that, anyone familiar with Blackpool will know this vertical steel giant well. Advertisement 7 The ride was known as Ice Blast until 2023 Credit: Lee Bell 7 The ride has been at the park since 1997 Credit: Lee Bell 7 Over the past year it has had a huge makeover Credit: Lee Bell It's one of the park's classic thrill rides, and it's been flinging riders to jaw-dropping heights since 1997. But after one year off, it's back, having had a huge makeover that's aims to get your stomach churning like never before. Lucky for me - I was one of the first to give it a spin ahead of its public opening this week. Besides an updated name, theme and fresh blue and red paint job, the daunting 210-foot structure has been overhauled with a brand-new launch cylinder to give it an extra kick. Blackpool Pleasure Beach claims this 'reimagined' ride now serves a punchier, more intimidating experience as it hurls you 20 storeys skywards. Advertisement And I have to say, after multiple rides at its official press launch, I can't argue with that. With a rocket-like blast off that catapults you vertically at speeds of up to 80mph in mere seconds before a sudden, stomach-lurching plunge back to earth, I can confirm that the experience is better than ever. Launch Pad isn't the first time Blackpool has updated an old ride to offer visitors a new experience. The park's legendary water ride, Valhalla, received a £4million re-imagining in 2023, and Pleasure Beach announced at its 2025 season launch that fan-favourite River Caves will also be getting a revamp later this year. Advertisement The park's bosses say overhauling existing rides isn't just about a new name and a fresh paint job. Reusing Launch Pad's structure also means less waste - something the park's CEO, Amanda Thompson, said is better for the planet, right before cutting the ribbon. Seaside theme park gets reimagined ride She added that this is something Pleasure Beach is focusing on more and more - giving old favourites a new lease of life. And that's what they did with Launch Pad. Instead of scrapping a classic, they gave the ride a proper upgrade that feels familiar, but hits different. Advertisement Launch Pad is open now - and if you've ridden it before, don't expect the same experience. This is faster, louder, and more intense. After Blackpool Pleasure Beach CEO, Amanda Thompson, cut the ribbon and announced Launch Pad as officially open, we were let loose inside the ride area, which has a cool new 'space exploration' theme. Added oomph Alongside the galactic soundtrack, there's updated seats and restraints, and a themed launch sequence, which counts you down to take-off - alongside theatrical smoke - just like you're blasting off into the stars. However, the biggest update to Launch Pad is an upgraded pneumatic cylinder, now operating at a whopping 105 pounds per square inch (PSI). I'm told that this boost in pressure means a much faster ascent, with riders fired upwards with more force. And you really feel it. Advertisement The increase in kinetic energy is what makes the launch feel completely different. Comparing it to previous years, it now feels sharper and way more aggressive - from the g-force that pushes you down into your seat at lift off, to the floaty weightlessness you feel when you hit the top. 7 Part of the upgrade includes a faster ascent Credit: Lee Bell 7 Riders will reach 210 feet, with views across the park Credit: Lee Bell Advertisement And no matter how many times you ride it, it doesn't lose its edge. Sure, your stomach is left on the floor, but before long, you're rewarded with epic views across the whole of Blackpool, its beaches and beyond. Blackpool Pleasure Beach recently reopened for the season, including welcoming visitors to the Nickelodeon Land area of the park for the first time in over 10-years. In addition, Blackpool Pleasure Beach has been crowned as the best family-owned theme park in the country. The amusement park first opened in 1896 and has been kept in the same family since. Advertisement Blackpool's Pleasure Beach Resort prices start from £28 for kids and £30 for adults. A mum recently revealed how she pays just £10pp on theme park days out for a family-of-five. Plus, the major UK theme park to get huge new land by 2027 with rollercoasters, kids rides and indoor attractions. 7 Blackpool Pleasure Beach recently reopened for the season Credit: Lee Bell Advertisement
The Irish Sun
09-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
I was one of the first to try the revamped ride at Blackpool Pleasure Beach – with new 80mph launch
IT'S launch day, but this isn't my first rodeo on Blackpool Pleasure Beach's 'new' shot tower ride, Launch Pad. Known as Ice Blast until 2023 and PlayStation: The Ride before that, anyone familiar with Blackpool will know this vertical steel giant well. 7 The ride was known as Ice Blast until 2023 Credit: Lee Bell 7 The ride has been at the park since 1997 Credit: Lee Bell 7 Over the past year it has had a huge makeover Credit: Lee Bell It's one of the park's classic thrill rides, and it's been flinging riders to jaw-dropping heights since 1997. But after one year off, it's back, having had a huge makeover that's aims to get your stomach churning like never before. Lucky for me - I was one of the first to give it a spin ahead of its public opening this week. Besides an updated name, theme and fresh blue and red paint job, the daunting 210-foot structure has been overhauled with a brand-new launch cylinder to give it an extra kick. Read more on Blackpool And I have to say, after multiple rides at its official press launch, I can't argue with that. With a rocket-like blast off that catapults you vertically at speeds of up to 80mph in mere seconds before a sudden, stomach-lurching plunge back to earth , I can confirm that the experience is better than ever. Launch Pad isn't the first time Blackpool has updated an old ride to offer visitors a new experience. The park's legendary Most read in News Travel The park's bosses say overhauling existing rides isn't just about a new name and a fresh paint job. Reusing Launch Pad's structure also means less waste - something the park's CEO, Amanda Thompson, said is better for the planet, right before cutting the ribbon. Seaside theme park gets reimagined ride She added that this is something Pleasure Beach is focusing on more and more - giving old favourites a new lease of life. And that's what they did with Launch Pad. Instead of scrapping a classic, they gave the Launch Pad is open now - and if you've ridden it before, don't expect the same experience. This is faster, louder, and more intense. After Blackpool Pleasure Beach CEO, Amanda Thompson, cut the ribbon and announced Launch Pad as officially open, we were let loose inside the ride area, which has a cool new Added oomph Alongside the galactic soundtrack, there's updated seats and restraints, and a themed launch sequence, which counts you down to take-off - alongside theatrical smoke - just like you're blasting off into the stars. However, the biggest update to Launch Pad is an upgraded pneumatic cylinder, now operating at a whopping 105 pounds per square inch (PSI). I'm told that this boost in pressure means a much faster ascent, with riders fired upwards with more force. And you really feel it. The increase in kinetic energy is what makes the launch feel completely different. Comparing it to previous years, it now feels sharper and way more aggressive - from the g-force that pushes you down into your seat at lift off, to the floaty weightlessness you feel when you hit the top. 7 Part of the upgrade includes a faster ascent Credit: Lee Bell 7 Riders will reach 210 feet, with views across the park Credit: Lee Bell And no matter how many times you ride it, it doesn't lose its edge. Sure, your stomach is left on the floor, but before long, you're rewarded with epic views across the whole of Blackpool, its Blackpool Pleasure Beach recently reopened for the season, including welcoming visitors to the Nickelodeon Land area of the park for the first time in over 10-years. In addition, Blackpool Pleasure Beach has been crowned as the best family-owned theme park in the country. The amusement park first opened in 1896 and has been kept in the same family since. Blackpool's Pleasure Beach Resort prices start from £28 for kids and £30 for adults. A mum recently revealed how she pays just £10pp on theme park days out for a family-of-five. Plus, the major 7 Blackpool Pleasure Beach recently reopened for the season Credit: Lee Bell 7 The reopening included welcoming visitors to Nickelodeon Land for the first time in 10 years Credit: Lee Bell
The Irish Sun
01-05-2025
- The Irish Sun
Spanish holiday hotspot postpones plan to hike tourist tax in respite for Brit travellers
SPAIN'S favourite tourist destination has delayed its plan to hike its tourist tax on visitors. The proposed tax, which could cost visitors €15 a day (£12.74), has been delayed to October by the regional government over fears around legal challenges. Advertisement 7 The bay of Cala Sa Boadella Bay, Costa Brava, is one of the One of the irresistible cliff top views in Catalonia Credit: Getty 7 Brits swilling sangria in Barcelona are becoming increasingly controversial Credit: Getty 7 Thousands took to the streets of central Barcelona last month to demand lower housing costs British Catalonia, which is home to tourist hotspot The region is the most popular tourist destination in the country, and its capital, Barcelona, is British holidaymakers' favourite European city destination. Rather than whacking up the tax, which currently stands between €6-11, Catalonia's government delayed the move at the last minute yesterday to pursue parliamentary approval. Advertisement Currently, the severity of the levy is calculated according to how luxurious tourist lodgings are. Even cruise ship passengers can't escape the charge, which is calibrated in line with the hotel star system. For example, at present, Just yesterday, Locals flocked to the streets, squirting Advertisement Most read in News Travel The attack marks the start of a long Spain expects to surpass last year's record of 94 million tourists, with tourist arrivals in Catalonia up 10% in the first two months of 2025. Shockingly, this is a conservative increase compared to the 13% jump in tourists flocking to Spain's capital, Madrid. But still, Barcelona's room rates ballooned disproportionately, rising 10% in the year before March, 7% more than Spain's average Advertisement In 2024, the historic city received over 30million visitors-- that's nearly half the UK's entire population. 7 The majestic vistas of Lloret de Mar beach, Catalonia Credit: Getty 7 Medieval Mura, which dates back to 978, would also be subject to the tax Credit: Getty 7 Costa Brava beach is now besieged by millions of tourists every year Credit: Getty Advertisement 7 Paella punters have been given a reprieve on the hike to a tourist tax in Barcelona until at least October This has put mounting financial pressure on Barcelonians, and fury is building as many feel priced out of their home city. The Mayor of Barcelona promised that at least 25% of tax revenue will go directly into a pot to alleviate housing shortages and spiralling rents. Perhaps unsurprisingly, Barcelona's association of Advertisement Tourist Mistakes that are costing you Money Travel writer Lee Bell recently revealed how holidaymakers heading to Barcelona can make their trip a whole lot cheaper from transport tips to dinners out. First off, Lee recommended swapping the airport taxi for a local bus, which will save solo travellers around €20. He added: "Dodge the pricey cocktails before a night out and instead head down to Can Paixano - or what the locals call 'La Xampanyeria' (champagne bar) where you'll find a 'copa de cava' for just €1 a pop. "Ask for a 'clara' - essentially a Spanish shandy made with Fanta Limón - at practically any bar. It's not only cheaper but it's a tasty, more refreshing option for when the temperatures soar." Read more of Lee's money-saving tips,
Yahoo
19-04-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Companies race to eliminate harmful industrial by-product linked to serious health risks: 'There is an urgent need'
A number of companies across the world are looking for new ways to tackle "forever chemicals." As the demand for artificial intelligence surges, a "chips race" is underway, bringing with it increased concerns of toxic per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, Bloomberg reported. The news agency explained that microchips are central to AI technology, but the semiconductor sector that produces them is a major source of PFAS, spewing these chemicals into the environment via wastewater. "There is an urgent need to prevent any further industrial PFAS pollution and clean up existing contamination," Lee Bell, technical and policy adviser for the International Pollutants Elimination Network, told Bloomberg. He added that incineration won't destroy these chemicals, "so we need to identify new technologies to meet this challenge." PFAS refers to a group of man-made chemicals that are used in a variety of consumer goods, including nonstick cookware and water-repellent clothing. These chemicals have been associated with a variety of health impacts, including increased risk of certain cancers and developmental delays in children, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. One study even found that exposure to PFAS through drinking water before birth could lead to an increased risk of childhood cancers. These chemicals have also made their way into our water supply. In fact, one study found that more than 20% of Americans may be exposed to PFAS-contaminated tap water. The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry contends that most Americans have been exposed to PFAS in one way or another and have it in their blood. Bloomberg reported on a few companies that are developing ways to try to destroy these forever chemicals. While the methods don't remove PFAS from the chip-production process — the publication said these chemicals are still crucial in this industry — they can zap them out afterward. For instance, Switzerland-based Oxyle AG generates bubbles less than 1 millimeter in diameter in water contaminated with PFAS. The bubbles help grab PFAS molecules and are processed in a way that leaves no toxic by-products, according to the company. Meanwhile, Boston area-based company Gradiant launched a treatment technology that it says permanently removes and destroys PFAS. While it's probably impossible to avoid all PFAS from your environment, you can help reduce your exposure by opting for PFAS-free brands and limiting your purchases of nonstick cookware and stain- or water-resistant clothing. Do you worry about having toxic forever chemicals in your home? Majorly Sometimes Not really I don't know enough about them Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
BBC News
26-03-2025
- Sport
- BBC News
Crewe captain Demetriou signs contract extension
Crewe Alexandra captain Mickey Demetriou has signed a new deal with the promotion-chasing League Two 35-year-old former Kidderminster Harriers, Shrewsbury Town, Cambridge United and Newport County defender has put pen to paper on a one-year contract, with an option for a further turned down the offer of a new deal with Newport in the summer of 2023 to join Crewe, when he signed an initial one-year agreement, with the option of a 12-month taken up that option, his current deal was due to run out this summer but he is now signed up at least until year's player of the season has missed eight games since the turn of the year with a calf injury, but he returned on Saturday as the Alex earned a point against promotion rivals Notts County at Meadow of this Saturday's lunchtime derby date with Port Vale, Lee Bell's Alex sit ninth in League Two, six points shy of an automatic promotion place with eight games remaining - and only a point off the play-off places.
