FA Cup trophy taken on rollercoaster ride at Alton Towers ahead of semi-final showdown between Arsenal and Reading

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The FA Cup is usually a rollercoaster of emotions
Fittingly, the famous trophy was taken on looping ride at Alton Towers
It was accompanied by an Arsenal and a Reading fan ahead of the pair's semi-final at Wembley on Saturday
Arsenal are the current holders of the competition and keen to retain it
Liverpool and Aston Villa will contest the other semi-final on Sunday

Published: 17:49 EST, 16 April 2015 | Updated: 17:49 EST, 16 April 2015

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The FA Cup has been through a rollercoaster of emotions over the years - and now it is taking an actual rollercoaster ride.

The famous trophy was on show at Alton Towers theme park in Staffordshire ahead of this weekend's semi-finals at Wembley, nestled in between an Arsenal fan and Reading supporter.

The Gunners head into Saturday's showdown as the favourites against the Championship side. But they almost suffered a huge upset at Wembley last year against Hull before coming from behind to win one of the most entertaining finals of all time.

Arsenal supporter Max Benjamin (left) and Reading fan Richard Putterford (right) hold the FA Cup trophy

The pair shake hands as they accompany the cup on a rollercoaster at the Alton Towers amusement park

The trophy is treated to a series of dips and loops ahead of the FA Cup semi-final clashes this weekend

The 3-2 victory, inspired by Aaron Ramsey's late extra time winner, ended a nine-year trophy drought for manager Arsene Wenger and the Frenchman is desperate to keep Arsenal's red and white ribbon on the cup.

Reading, meanwhile, have never won the FA Cup. The furthest the Royals have reached in the competition is the last four, where they lost 3-0 at Molineux to eventual winners Cardiff... in 1927.

Victory for the current holders could prove to be a good omen. If Arsenal triumph at Wembley again this year they would become the most successful side in FA Cup history, surpassing the record of 11 wins they currently share with Manchester United.

Reading, of course, will do their best to deny the north London club. And Liverpool or Aston Villa will be out to get their hands on the cup on May 30 too.

Whatever happens, it's guaranteed to be a roller coaster of a ride.