Theme park home to the UK’s fastest rollercoaster to stay open for even longer – the first time in six years

A THEME park in the UK, home to the country's tallest and fastest rollercoaster, has extended its opening hours for two special sunset events.

For the first time six years, Thorpe Park has changed its closing time, meaning guests will be able to enjoy the rides until 9pm this summer.

On Saturday, August 24 and Saturday, August 31, visitors will be able to stay late and enjoy the sunset from the top of their favourite rides.

The park has previously stated that there wasn't enough demand for late openings, but now that appears to have changed.

That could be in part to its new attractions this year, with Hyperia opening at the beginning of the summer.

The UK's tallest and fastest ride is up and running after closing again shortly after it was first launched.

The rollercoaster climbs to heights of 236ft and travels at speeds exceeding 80mph.

It has some of the highest inversions in Europe, as well as a splashdown as it bursts through a pool of water during its journey.

It also boasts three inversions, one of which is unique, and sends riders upside down as they come out of an outerbank turn.

It's the park's first major addition since The Swarm back in 2012.

However, it's not the only new addition this year, with American-themed Big Easy Boulevard also appearing for this season.

The new area replaced the park's Angry Birds land, which had been in place at the park for ten years.

The section of the park is based around New Orleans and has several rides, as well as a 4D cinema.

Detonator, a drop tower ride that sends people plummeting 100ft, remains in the area from the Angry Birds land and has been rebranded to fit in with its new surroundings.