A FAVOURITE attraction which is part of Newcastle’s Christmas Market will offer a bird’s eye view of the city this year.
As part of the Christmas Village activities taking place at Old Eldon Square – created by Newcastle City Council and NE1 along with event organisers, EVNT Inspirations – the site is home to a giant Ferris wheel.
And this time round visitors can look forward to an even better view of the city, thanks to a plan to install the largest wheel yet for this year.
Previously the wheel was 15m high but this Christmas it will be a massive 22m, giving fantastic views over the entire city.
It will be a great addition to an already packed village which is already seeing record sales for the range of paid for events on offer including shows on the Rockin’ Reindeer stage, sessions at Mrs Claus’ Bakery and Santa Stories.
The Festive Flix programme – which features a number of much-loved Christmas films such as Home Alone, Elf, The Grinch, The Greatest Showman and Love Actually – are also proving popular, with scores of tickets already sold.Other attractions include Marshmallowland and the vintage carousel, along with a number of food and drink outlets nearby.
Nigel Holliday of EVNT Inspirations said the interest so far had been “phenomenal” and the news about the giant Ferris wheel was likely to bring in even more visitors.
“To have a 22m wheel is so exciting,” he said. “It will give people incredible views over the city which will be particularly magical when it gets dark.
“It just puts the cherry on the Christmas cake in terms of making Newcastle’s Christmas Market something nobody will want to miss.”
Ben Whitfield, Director of Communications at NE1 said: “We are ‘wheely’ excited that the Ferris wheel is returning to Newcastle’s Christmas market this year – and that it has been supersized. 50 per cent bigger and giving even better views of the city from the top.
“It was a hugely popular attraction last year, alongside the traditional carousel, and created a real hub for Newcastle’s Christmas village in Old Eldon Square.
“We are fortunate to have such a unique festive family offer in the heart of the market, which we think sets Newcastle’s Christmas Markets apart from other UK cities. We are looking forward to taking a ride when it makes its welcome return in November.”
Cllr Rob Austin, Cabinet Member for Culture, Communities & Youth Services added: “Newcastle’s Christmas celebrations are all about creating memorable experiences for local people and visitors to enjoy, and the new 22 metre Ferris wheel will be a fantastic addition to this year’s Christmas Village.
“Whether you’re enjoying the views during the day or seeing the city lit up after dark, it will offer a really special perspective of Newcastle and add to what is already a packed programme of festive entertainment and activities.
“It’s great to see the Christmas Village continuing to grow and evolve, giving people even more reasons to come into the city centre and enjoy the festive season.”
Newcastle’s Christmas Village opens on 19 November. Santa Stories within the Christmas Village will run until Christmas Eve with the rest of the Village remaining open until 31 December.
Bookings for Newcastle’s Christmas Village can be made at www.christmasvillagenewcastle.co.uk
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