Family escapes to Alton Towers on 1st family outing since lockdown restrictions eased

THIS week Britain's biggest family, The Radfords, were invited to Alton Towers Resort to test out the rides and hotel rooms ahead of a post lockdown half term for the theme park.

Escaping their home after months of being cooped up indoors for the ultimate family staycation, Sue and Noel Radford along with 15 of their 22 strong brood packed up 5 suitcases, 2 pushchairs, and loaded a 17 person minibus to visit Alton Towers Resort, in their 1st family outing since lockdown restrictions eased across England, on 17 May 2021.

In newly released pictures and film footage, The Radford family, who live in Morecambe in Lancashire, can be seen putting all areas of the Staffordshire Resort to the test:- waiting with bated breath at the famous Oblivion 'drop,' shrieking as they spin on The Smiler, ordering a whopping 17 hot dogs on Towers Street and playing a large scale game of hide and seek in the historic Gardens.

3 generations of the same family took on Britain's greatest escape, making them the biggest ever family to simultaneously ride some of the UK's most iconic rollercoasters. Mum, Sue, was the designated height checker and head counter for the day, ensuring as many of the Radford clan could enjoy each rollercoaster and ride as possible.

Throughout the visit, 17 members of the Radford family put Britain's greatest escape to the test; riding rollercoasters, making a splash in the Waterpark, laughing with the Teletubbies in CBeebies Land and taking a stroll in the expansive gardens, all before dining at the Resort's Rollercoaster Restaurant and then spending the night in the iconic themed rooms of the Alton Towers Hotel.

With members of the family ranging from the age of 8 months to 50, everyone in the Radford family also enjoyed Alton Towers Resort's newest attraction, Gangsta Granny: The Ride, along with other family favourites Runaway Mine Train and Wicker Man, giving all 3 the Radford stamp of approval. Members of the family that were brave (and tall) enough also enjoyed the thrill of Nemesis and Oblivion.

Commenting on their adventure, Sue and Noel Radford said:- "Alton Towers Resort has been the best family escape we could have hoped for, especially after such a challenging year. With a brood as big as ours, it's often tricky for us to find somewhere we can all go that everyone will enjoy. The noise the kids made when we told them we were going to Alton Towers Resort was almost as loud as when they all tried the Runaway Mine Train for the 1st time! It feels amazing to be out and about as a family after 18 months locked up, and the Resort was definitely a big enough escape for our whole clan! Alton Towers has it all, we've had a brilliant time!"

Joining their parents Sue (46) and Noel Radford (50) at Alton Towers Resort were:- Millie (19), Katie (18), Elle (15), Aimee (14), Josh (13), Max (12), Tillie (10), Oscar (9), Casper (8), Hallie (5), Phoebe (4), Archie (3), Bonnie (2) and Heidie (1), along with their 8 month old granddaughter and child to daughter Millie, Ophelia.

The family stayed at the Alton Towers Hotel which offers over 16 unique and themed rooms, from a moon voyage, arctic expedition, pirate cove adventure or an entire Cadbury chocolate suite. Guests can choose to sleep in a bed like a bathtub, a hot air balloon, princess carriage or even 1 of 4 brand new Gangsta Granny inspired rooms. Outside of the Alton Towers Hotel, the family were also able to explore the Enchanted Village with fairy themed woodland lodges and the bright lights of the UK's only CBeebies Land Hotel on their way to and from the Theme Park.

Best known from starring in the Channel 5 documentary:- '16 Kids and Counting,' the Radford family now have 22 children!

Through their YouTube and Instagram channels, the family connects with fans and shares vlog content from their busy household.

Allotment revealed as the latest local trader to join new look Southport Market

VISITORS to the new look Southport Market will be able to devour big American style burgers and loaded fries thanks to popular local restaurant Allotment. Allotment has gained a huge following since opening in Birkdale Village in Southport just before the start of the Open Golf Championship, at nearby Royal Birkdale in 2017. Since then, owners and best friends Gavin Williams and James Kennedy have got their food off a tee as they look forward to their new venture.

James Kennedy said:- "The market is fitted to a fantastic standard and I am sure the residents of Southport are going to love it! It is great to be opening with some of the best local traders from around Southport and to be a part of this great new attraction."

Gavin Williams said:- "I am incredibly excited for the future of Southport. With the ₤38.5m Town Deal funding and the excellent leadership shown by Sefton Council Tourism Service Manager Mark Catherall, I think we are at the start of a huge and very promising rejuvenation of this beautiful Town."

Allotment is a relaxed casual dining, bar and restaurant, located in the beautiful Village of Birkdale. The venue specialises in big, bold flavour food and an excellent drink offering. The menu consists of low and slow food with an excellent offering of burgers, loaded fries, small plates, and what Gavin and James insist are:- "the best steaks in Town." The owners have spent a huge amount of time developing the rubs and seasonings that they use in their food, which they describe as:- "top secret and amazing!"

The story of Allotment began 7 years ago. Upon returning from a year of travelling around the World, Gavin was hungry to open a bar and bring some of the qualities he had seen during his time away.

1 evening in Manchester, Gavin approached his best friend James, who was then the Manager of Revolution, in Manchester, and set upon convincing him that the future was owning their own bars and restaurants. A whole load of hard work, blood, sweat and tears later and the 1st Allotment, in the Northern Quarter, in Manchester, was born. 4 years ago they added Allotment Birkdale to their portfolio and are now excited about their new venture in Southport Market. They said:- "We took confidence that we could provide a difference within the casual dining sector and succeed. Some seven years later, we continue to strive in making Allotment a unique and enjoyable experience for all ages. We are incredibly excited about opening at Southport Market. When we heard about the market we thought it was a great idea - having frequented Altrincham Market, Mackie Mayor and Baltic Market regularly we know how phenomenal these places are and what they bring to a town. It is the start of a very exciting time for Southport."

Sefton Council is leading the transformation of Southport Market, on the corner of King Street and Market Street, into an exciting new food, drink and events hub. Once complete Southport Market will have 11 food and drink units serving up mouth watering food, supported by fresh produce from Blackhursts Butchers and flexible event and market space.

The new look Southport Market is on course to open its doors this summer, thanks to the hard work of Sefton Council and partners including builders Medlock and Architect and Interior designers DV8 Design, which specialises in hospitality and commercial transformations.

The building is undergoing its ₤1.4million redevelopment thanks to ₤900,000 funding through Southport Town Deal and ₤500,000 through the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority.

Wood fired pizza specialists 600 Degrees and family run Blackhurst Butchers have already been announced along with further 5 new traders have announced for Southport Market:-

► Hectors Mexicana (the freshest Mexican street food)

► Down and Oot (sizzling Canadian premium steaks and poutine)

► King St. Bakery (iconic Portuguese tarts from Lisbon, plus tasty treats from across the UK)

► Messy Moments (freshly made crępes or waffles with a variety of toppings)

► Birkdale Pie and Mash (delicious home made pies with a variety of fresh fillings)