What are Alopecia UK doing at Alton Towers? Expand Simply facilitating a large group of people to go and do an activity that is typically avoided by those with alopecia, i.e. going on rollercoasters. We find that having plenty of us there gives a confidence boost!
When will the event take place? Expand Saturday 18th April 2020. Alton Towers will open at 10am however our tickets allow us entry at 9:30am. Ride queues close at approximately 5/5:30pm (this can change on the day depending how busy they are). We ask people to arrive between 9am and 10am.
Why a Theme Park? Expand Theme parks and rollercoasters can typically be an activity that people with alopecia either avoid or don’t enjoy as much as they should due to worrying over concerns about wearing wigs and hats on rollercoasters. Alopecia UK organised an Alton Towers day out for the first time in 2014. It was a fantastic day that was enjoyed by everyone, so much so that we decided to make it an annual event so that more people affected by alopecia can enjoy the experience.
How does it work? Expand *If you are a regular attendee note that we are changing the format this year!* Three volunteers will wait on the entrance plaza (opposite the entry gates towards the back of the plaza) in the morning from about 9am. Attendees can collect their theme park tickets and Alopecia UK pack from them. We will then gather on the plaza until the park opens at 9:30am. Attendees can then either go through in their own little group with their friends/family or make their way to our base camp, the Hospitality Suite, where everyone will gather into Alopecia UK groups before setting off at 10am. Note that this is different to previous years!! We normally wait on the plaza until 10am however sometimes it gets a bit cold so we’re doing things differently this year to make you all a bit more comfortable. Those arriving after 9:30am will still be able to collect their tickets on the plaza (until 10:30am) and be directed towards the Hospitality Suite. Organised Alopecia UK groups will set off from the Hospitality Suite at 10am. We will offer groups to go around the park based on height and rides. We arrange three opportunities for meet ups throughout the day (at the start, lunchtime, and end of the day). More information about timings and groups can be found here
What else do I need to know? Expand We ask those who attend this Alopecia UK event to wear a blue Alopecia UK t-shirt and/or jacket/hoodie which we sell at a discount price for this event (when purchased at the same time as buying tickets). Everyone (not just those with alopecia but friends and family too) wearing the blue Alopecia UK clothing is quite a crucial part of the event. It raises awareness in the park but it also means we can easily spot each other which is a nice part of the day as then you realise how many of us are in the park and it creates a friendly supportive atmosphere. It can be a bit daunting wearing your t-shirt at first but as the day goes on you start to see everyone else around the park and you know that the general public in the park know what you’re doing as they will have spotted everyone as well (we're hard to miss!).
Do I have to buy a blue Alopecia UK t-shirt and/or jacket/hoodie? Expand It is not compulsory however we would recommend that you do as it will help you to feel included and a part of the event on the day. Everyone wearing the blue tops is what creates the supportive atmosphere in the park and everyone has fun spotting the blue tops as they make their way around the park (particularly the children! So please do make the effort if you can!). If it is someone's first time and they feel a bit nervous about standing out as having alopecia, then it is perfectly understandable that they may not feel entirely comfortable wearing the blue tops. But trust us when we say they might feel differently on the day which is why we recommend getting a top just in case! It helps to have any accompanying friends and family in the blue Alopecia UK tops too. It feels supportive. Power in numbers!
I've bought an Alopecia UK t-shirt/hoodie. When will it arrive? Expand If you buy your t-shirt/hoodie at discount price as part of your website registration (when you buy your tickets) you will receive them at the beginning of April in the post. We used to give them out at the event however our cars are no longer big enough to fit everything in! If you buy your t-shirts/hoodies at full price through the Charity Custom Print store they will arrive up to two weeks after you have placed your order.
Is everyone going to be showing their alopecia and removing wigs/hats to go on the rides? Expand It is about personal choice and whatever you feel comfortable doing. There will be lots of us around doing some awareness raising and taking wigs/hats off to go on the rides. We have found in previous years that lots of people actually want to remove their headwear and felt quite empowered doing so, particularly because it was amongst a large group of others with alopecia. Some people wear wigs and hats, others don't, and some just take it off in the queue for rides. The nice thing is that people feel free to choose. It can be quite a nerve-wracking thing to do if you don't normally show anyone your alopecia, if this is the case for you we would encourage you to join an Alopecia UK group just in case you do decide you want to remove headwear for going on rides. You certainly do not have to and you will be respected, as well as supported, in what you choose to wear or not wear. While many may have wigs/head coverings that stay on when going on rollercoasters, we want to create an environment where people feel comfortable to have the choice in what they do! (Weather permitting - it can be quite chilly in April!).
Do we have the whole park to ourselves? Expand No unfortunately not. Alton Towers is a huge theme park! But we will organise for everybody to meet up so that you can go round the park in a group if you want to (see 'How does it work?').
Can I meet other attendees beforehand? Expand We will set up a private Facebook group one week before the event and invite attendees to join so they can meet others before the day. We do this with most of our events as we find it helps to break the ice and reduce any nerves. People also find it useful for information and advice.
How can I get there? Expand It is your own responsibility to get to Alton Towers and collect your tickets in time.For any ID requirements for the park, age limits for rides, transport/parking questions or questions about disability, please refer to the Alton Towers website.
What about accommodation? Expand It is up to yourself to arrange accommodation if you want to stay over at all. Many people often stay in the nearby Premier Inn (Uttoxeter) and Travelodge (Ashbourne).
Where can I contact the organiser with any questions? Expand You can contact Alopecia UK via email at [email protected] or by phone on 08001017025.