All jobs have their ups and downs - but this is a different story.
It's fair to say it won't be everyone's cup of tea, but with plenty of thrill-seekers out there walking among us, the popular Lancashire seaside town resort has announced that it's currently recruiting, and is looking for one brave soul to take on the all-important role of 'Rollercoaster Test Rider'.
Blackpool Pleasure Beach needs someone with an "exceptional sense of fun and excitement" about them to make sure that all major rides at the resort have the necessary thrill-factor needed in time for the launch of the new season next month.
The successful candidate will be tasked with testing numerous rides at Blackpool Pleasure Beach to give valuable feedback on a number of key factors like speed, thrills, and excitement levels.
They'll also be asked to give their thoughts on where they think improvements could be made at the park to "increase the fun factor" on different rides, as well as work with the Operations Department, where needed, to come up with "fun and thrilling ideas" for future projects.
The role isn't just limited to here the North West either, as the official Rollercoaster Test Rider will also be given the chance to travel to other European theme parks on a mission to test out the different rides there, and ultimately bring feedback and reports back to Blackpool.
So, what exactly do you need to be in with the chance of securing the role?
Blackpool Pleasure Beach needs someone to test-ride its rollercoasters / Credit: Blackpool Pleasure Beach
For starters, you just need to be at least 1.32m (4ft 3in) tall to be able to ride the rollercoasters, but you'll also need to have a good head for heights, a strong stomach, and will also need to like going upside down, as that's a pretty important part of the job.
A bit of previous experience of riding rollercoasters and thrill rides is also "preferred" for this temporary role, according to the job description.
Applications are now open and any thrill-seeker applying will need to make sure they're available to spend a day at Blackpool Pleasure Beach during w/c Monday 13 March, should they be successful in the role.
Temple Newsam will be transformed into a brand-new immersive festive story event.
Following a second successful winter, Leeds’ spectacular immersive light show Northern Lights is returning with a brand-new journey.
The Lost Light of Christmas is a narrative driven adventure that will lead visitors around the iconic grounds of Temple Newsam this winter, running from Friday 20 November to Thursday 31 December 2026.
With over 100,000 visitors each year, Northern Lights Leeds has been completely reimagined this winter with a showcase of exclusive art installations from some of the UK’s leading light artists.
Image: Supplied
There'll be special effects, interactive elements and bespoke audio compositions all tied together with an illuminating new narrative theme.
Visitors will follow a glowing trail through enchanted forests, along sparkling pathways and around shimmering lagoons with plenty of hidden surprises along the way as you help the fairies on their quest restore the Lost Light of Christmas before it goes out forever.
Approximately one mile in length, the light trail will host over a dozen illuminations with a curated selection of vintage fairground rides and a variety of classic festive treats, including mulled wine, hot chocolate and toasted marshmallows.
Images: Supplied
Ben Robinson - Director, From The Fields said: “After two incredible years at Temple Newsam we’re thrilled to be reinventing Northern Lights Leeds. The team have excelled themselves with a truly immersive narrative experience unlike anything we’ve ever done before and we think Leeds is going to love The Lost Light of Christmas.
"Having worked with Temple Newsam closely over the past few years, we’re constantly improving the Northern Lights experience in order to make it as inclusive and accessible as we can."
Tickets for The Lost Light of Christmas will go on sale Thursday 2 July with prices starting at £12.00 for children and £17.00 for adults. Get yours here.
A ‘Mini Mall’ full of independent food traders and local brands is coming to Leeds city centre
Clementine Hall
The Merrion Centre is set to become the home of an exciting new retail and food destination this summer.
Introducing The Mini Mall, an innovative retail concept designed to create a flagship city-centre destination for local brands, artisan producers and independent food traders.
The new 4,885 sq ft ground-floor space will be completely dedicated entirely to independent Yorkshire brands, artisan producers, and local food creators.
Operating as a premium 'satellite department store', The Mini Mall provides established independent businesses with fully staffed, centrally managed retail bays.
Image: Supplied
Shoppers can expect a carefully curated selection of Yorkshire-based homeware designers, fashion labels, craft producers, and street food vendors under one roof.
The Mini Mall will open on Saturday 25July with an official public grand opening featuring a ribbon-cutting ceremony, live brand showcases, and the full launch of the Mini Food Hall.to meet the makers behind the brands.
Shaz Westfield, founder of Eventszo, said: "The Mini Mall was created to give independent businesses the opportunity to trade in a prime city-centre location without the barriers that often come with traditional retail.
“Yorkshire is home to an incredible community of makers, creators and food businesses, and our goal is to provide a platform where they can grow, connect with new customers and thrive. We're delighted to be launching our flagship venue at the Merrion Centre and look forward to building a destination that champions local talent and entrepreneurship."
Charles Newman, asset management director at Town Centre Securities PLC (TCS), owners of The Merrion Centre, said: "What makes the Merrion Centre different is the breadth and character of our occupier mix. We've always championed businesses that bring something unique to the city centre, creating a destination that offers visitors experiences they won't find elsewhere on the high street."
You can find out more about Leeds' new Mini Mall here.
The Hoot -
22nd February 2023 
