This National Rollercoaster Day (Sunday 16th August), the UK’s biggest theme park operator, Merlin – whose attractions include Thorpe Park, Alton Towers Resort, Chessington World of Adventures and LEGOLAND Windsor Resort – is offering up the ultimate challenge for rollercoaster fans.

Those who can keep a straight face on rollercoasters across Merlin theme parks, kicking off from National Rollercoaster Day through to 23rd August, can win free rides for a year across top UK attractions.
Jedward, pop’s most enthusiastic duo and rollercoaster superfans, were the first to take on the Straight Face Challenge. But, THEY FAILED, which is no surprise considering new research , commissioned by Merlin, showed almost half (47%) of Brits laugh more on rollercoasters than watching comedy films.
The twin thrill-seekers braved speeds of up to 81mph on the UK’s tallest and fastest rollecoaster, Hyperia, at Thorpe Park, testing their iconic quiffs, as well as their ability to keep a straight face. A journey north then saw them attempt their best poker face at Alton Towers Resort on 14 loops of The Smiler, before breaking out in fits of laughter.
Jedward said: “We had such a jepic day taking on two of the world’s toughest rollercoasters in Hyperia and The Smiler, both pushing our hairspray to its limits to keep our quiffs in one piece!
“We are officially issuing the challenge to everyone in the UK, to get to Thorpe Park, Alton Towers Resort, Chessington World of Adventures or LEGOLAND Windsor Resort, ride a coaster and try the Straight Face Challenge to celebrate National Rollercoaster Day.

“Rollercoasters are just too joyful! We dare you to try your best not to crack and see if you can beat our attempt for the chance to win the best prize ever, free rollercoaster rides for a year with a Platinum Merlin Annual Pass.”
For a chance to win a year’s free coasters at Merlin’s theme parks, daredevils must visit Thorpe Park, Alton Towers Resort, Chessington World of Adventures or LEGOLAND Windsor Resort from 16 to 23 August to celebrate National Rollercoaster Day’s 40th anniversary. To take part riders must then purchase an official on-ride photo before sharing it on socials using #StraightFaceChallenge for the chance to win a Platinum Merlin Annual Pass worth £299.
The Platinum Merlin Annual Pass is the highest tier of annual pass, with entry to all parks with no exclusion dates, four free ‘Bring a Friend’ tickets a year, one free one-shot Fastrack per visit, free Coke Freestyle cup & two free refills.
The coveted pass will be a revered reward for a nation of rollercoaster lovers, with stats now backing up the UK’s adrenaline-chasing habits. Merlin’s new ‘Coaster Consensus’ reveals that nearly seven in ten Brits (69%) say riding a rollercoaster makes them happier, while over half (57%) experience a rush of excitement the moment they step off.
Meanwhile, almost two thirds (62%) agree that screaming together on a coaster makes them feel genuinely closer to the friends and family riding with them. And nearly six in ten Brits (59%) say that rollercoasters have created some of their most lasting memories.
Laurence Stock, VP GTM – UK & Global Gateway for Merlin Entertainments said: “Every single day across our theme parks, we see people boarding coasters looking nervous and stepping off absolutely beaming. Rollercoasters are a great way to connect families and friends – they’re joyful and so memorable.
“The research confirms what we already knew: that rollercoasters are one of the most joyful things you can do, full stop.
“We are world leaders in creating the most thrilling twists and turns for guests for millions of visitors and cannot wait to welcome rollercoaster lovers to our parks across the UK to celebrate the 40th anniversary of National Rollercoaster Day.”
Theme park fans can also save big this summer, with the Government’s Great British Summer Savings scheme offering guests reduced VAT rates on admission tickets to attractions nationwide until 1 September 2026, delivering even greater value for families heading to any of Merlin’s UK attractions.
For all four theme parks, day tickets start from £34.13. Children under 0.9 metres get free entry to Chessington World of Adventures Resort, LEGOLAND Windsor Resort and Alton Towers Resort, and children under 1.2 metres get free entry to Thorpe Park.

You can keep your hands inside the carriage later but for now, head to the relevant theme park websites to book your visit:
Thorpe Park: thorpepark.com
Alton Towers Resort: altontowers.com
Chessington World of Adventures: chessington.com/
LEGOLAND Windsor Resort: legoland.co.uk
To find out more about the Straight Face Challenge, including full terms & conditions, visit www.merlinannualpass.co.uk/national-rollercoaster-day-competition