Following on from the success of the 16 metre wheel at Christmas, Dudley will play host to a wheel twice the size during March.

The spectacle, hosted in association with Midlands Air Ambulance Charity, will transport visitors 35 metres into the air, staking its claim as the largest ever big wheel to set up camp in the Black Country. 

Offering panoramic views of Dudley and beyond, including the newly regenerated market place, Coronation Gardens, Dudley College sites, and of course, the historic zoo and castle, the giant observation wheel will be open seven-days a week from March 12th until April 10th, closing only on Easter Sunday.

The high-rise spectacular is being organised by the Dudley Business Group, Dudley Market Traders Ltd and Dudley Council with other local businesses ploughing additional sponsorship into the month-long extravaganza. 

Midlands Air Ambulance Charity will be on site with a decommissioned helicopter pod for children to play in, the service’s exhibition trailer and Maac the mascot will be on hand for photos. Donation points to the charity which operates three emergency air ambulance helicopters in the Midlands will be situated at the entrance to the attraction.

As well as the wheel, the partnership behind the project is organising fun events to take place in the town centre throughout the month. These will be announced in advance of the wheel launch. The ride will cost £4 for adults and £3 for children with family tickets for two adults and two children priced at £10. 

Len Lenihan, managing director of Dudley Market Traders Ltd and a member of the Dudley Business Group, said:

“We are so excited to be bringing such a high quality attraction to Dudley town centre to further boost our town’s appeal to shoppers, visitors and investors.

“I am proud to be a member of Dudley Business Group, who along with Dudley Council, have been instrumental in making this project happen. I would personally like to thank all the local businesses, investors, sponsors and Dudley Council, who are all showing their commitment to the future of our town centre with this exciting scheme.”

Councillor Khurshid Ahmed, cabinet member for planning and economic development, said:

“I would like to applaud the local business community for supporting and helping to organise something so spectacular for Dudley town centre. Dudley council is committed to investing in and rejuvenating our town centres and as a community council we will continue to work in partnership to get the best results.

“Since completing the £6.7m regeneration of Dudley town centre, we have hosted events to encourage people to visit and see for themselves how attractive the town centre now looks and we have had wonderful feedback.

“The wheel is an impressive attraction and I hope that it brings even more visitors and shoppers into the town to enjoy the wheel and that it can be something that everyone in the borough can be proud of".