THE UK’s tallest and fastest rollercoaster is set to remain closed indefinitely, despite only opening for the first time two weeks ago.
Hyperia at Thorpe Park opened on May 24 after much fanfare about its record-breaking potential.
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However, it closed down just the day after due to “unforeseen circumstances” and has since been unable to relaunch.
Initially, the park said it would be back up and running after just five days, before it extended its expected opening date to June 8, at the latest.
However, the attraction is not going to be ready by then, with Thorpe Park now not willing to commit to a date on which people will once again be able to ride the coaster.
In an updated statement, shared via its social media channels, the theme park said that it was not going to be possible to open Hyperia by tomorrow (June 8).
However, the statement went on to say that test runs are expected to begin soon, with the ride set to be back “as soon as possible”.
The full statement reads: “We recently communicated that we were unable to commit to re-opening Hyperia before Saturday 8th June.
“Understandably, many of you have been eagerly anticipating further updates and fairly assumed that the 8th June would be the re-opening day for the ride.
“However, unfortunately that is not going to be possible.
“We are really sorry for the ongoing disappointment we know this will cause.
“Rest assured, the teams involved are working very hard to get our Golden Goddess back up and running as soon as they possibly can – in fact you’ll soon see trains running around the track.
“As always we will continue to ensure the latest updates are provided via our socials and website as soon as we have news to share.
“We have received amazing support from so many people and want to thank everyone for their understanding and patience.”
In replies to comments left by fans, the park said that an opening date would be revealed in its next update.
Another reply to a disappointed fan added: “Hyperia is experiencing some teething issues, this is a common occurrence with any new ride as it finds its feet but we’re working our socks off to have her back in full flight soon!”
Sun Travel’s Review of Hyperia
The Sun’s Lee Bell visited Thorpe Park to try the new ride out
 “I was able to ride the steel monster three times, experiencing its exhilarating speeds in the middle of the train, at the front and then, for my last (and best) ride, right at the back.
“First impressions: it’s unlike any other rollercoaster in the UK right now.
“Not only for the obvious reason that it’s over double the height, but its focus on flinging riders out of their seats and experiencing ‘weightlessness’.
“It’s no surprise that the first drop is what really steals the show on this rollercoaster.
“While it’s the tallest in the country, it’s unique in that it twists riders 180 degrees while they plummet down a huge vertical drop right before reaching the ground at top speeds of over 80mph.
“The back row is easily the best place to experience this, since you’re catapulted over the crest of the drop at speed, and right into the drop with a free-fall-like feeling.
“It’s an incredible ride that will make you want to ride it again and again.
“It’s certainly a coaster that can compete with some of the best in Europe and is easily, in my experience, the best the UK has to offer.”
Fans with tickets booked for the immediate future have been told to get in touch with the park to discuss the possibility of rearranging trips.
However, most people were understanding of the need to close the ride and thanked the park for its regular updates.
One wrote: “These things happen and communication has been good, but giving no hint of an expected opening date is worrying.”
Another said: “We all know you’re just as gutted as we are.”
A third added: “I know you’re trying your absolute hardest and all of us are really excited, fingers crossed I hope it’s soon for re-opening.”
Sun Travel has contacted Thorpe Park for further comment.
Meanwhile, this theme park has revealed that four of its top rides are closing this summer.
And this affordable attraction is launching a new ride for 2024.
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