The day started with a press conference in the Globe Theatre, where Robert Owen (Director of Marketing and PR - Blackpool Pleasure Beach) gave an introduction to ICON, including behind the scenes clips, time-lapse footage and the TV advert for the new ride.

He spoke about it being in the planning for 5 years and now almost 2 years since the project was announced how proud he was to finally reveal it.

This was followed by a fascinating Q&A session with a panel including Amanda Thompson (Managing Director - Blackpool Pleasure Beach), Nick Thompson (Deputy Managing Director - Blackpool Pleasure Beach), Michael Mack and Thorsten Koebele (Mack Rides), Andreas Andersen and Jakob Wahl (International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions), Andy Hine (Roller Coaster Club of Great Britain) and Paul Burton (European Coaster Club).

Amanda explained how she and Nick had travelled to theme parks around the world seeking inspiration and Nick cited Cheetah Hunt at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay as one of their earliest influences. It's designed to attract thrill seekers.

Amanda described the ride as styled rather than themed, and that the concept started as a dream she had with a roller coaster rising from beneath the ground whilst cherry blossom blew in the wind. The logo for ICON features the Japanese character for speed.

Thorsten explained that the whole of Blackpool Pleasure Beach was laser 3D scanned, in order to design a roller coaster in such a complex location where there are 15 interactions with other rides.

It was then time for the opening ceremony in front of the Japanese inspired entrance gates to the ride, with live music as the Thompson and Mack families gathered, flanked by performers dressed as geishas. The ribbon-cutting was accompanied by the blasting of confetti cannons and shortly followed by the two families taking their first ride.

Now it was our turn! As we walked down the landscaped pathway we stopped briefly to watch the roller coaster launch down the track, a well designed viewing opportunity that really builds anticipation. The station is modern and spacious, with subtle design features and a thumping soundtrack. Every few minutes one of the 3 ultra stylish trains glides in and out, each seating 2 across in 8 rows for a total of 16 riders. It's very comfortable with only a snug fitting lap bar.

A whopping 1143 metres of track lay ahead for a ride that lasts 2 minutes and 41 seconds through a series of twists, turns and drops that subjects riders to g-forces of between 4 and -1.2 which is as much as experienced by a Formula 1 driver. The highest point in the ride is an 88.5ft immelmann which is the second of 2 inversions, the other being an in-line twist, and is one of most thrilling elements.

Where you sit hugely affects the experience. The front row was brilliant, from the suspense of staring down the open track in front of you at the start of the ride while waiting to launch and ploughing through a cloud of mist into the first tunnel, to diving into each of the manoeuvres and all the 'head chopper' moments as other structures appear within touching distance. In the back row it feels faster, wilder and more intense - even if it is a bit shaky.

The middle was still fun, but a bit more tame particularly in the slowest parts of the ride. It's worth noting that ICON's maximum speed is 85 km/h and it accelerates from 0 - 80 km/h in 2.25 seconds. This is less than many launch coasters but what makes this ride iconic is the setting. The new ride is constantly zooming over, under and past other attractions. It's a real engineering marvel that without the technology available today wouldn't be possible. 

There are some lovely themed areas around the ride, including cherry blossom trees, a water feature surrounded by pebbles and striking red pillars with the names of Thompson and Mack family members.

The quality of everything is exceptional, from the stunning trains with its eye-catching lights, impressive station and epic soundtrack. It's fantastic to see Blackpool Pleasure Beach make such a huge investment in the theme park, and they have created a new ride which people will travel from far and wide to experience.

After the ride you can view and purchase your on-ride photos, which are presented in a nice card folder with information about ICON and other facts about Blackpool Pleasure Beach, and there is also the main gift shop where we were delighted to be presented with a certificate of riding. It also sells a wide range of ICON branded items from clothing, teddies and sweets to mugs, flasks and key rings.

Following a superb lunch at Coasters, a stylish new restaurant with contemporary design and an outdoor seating area to watch ICON, we spent the rest of a glorious sunny day in Blackpool sampling all the best rides that the theme park has to offer, from former icon The Big One to one of the world's greatest dark rides, Valhalla.

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