Chorley’s Giant Ferris Wheel Open For Business
CHORLEY’S Christmas just got even better as the main attraction opened to give families a ride above the town’s rooftops.
Due to popular demand, Chorley Council and Market Walk shopping centre have brought back the 100 foot Ferris wheel that dominated the Chorley skyline in 2012 to once again transform the town centre into a winter wonderland.
The spectacular wheel is back in town until Sunday 3 January to give little and big kids a magical Christmas ride above the clouds of Chorley.
The giant wheel is on the Flat Iron car park, just off Union Street, with some festive food and drink stalls surrounding it selling everything from German cakes, sausages and treats to mulled wine, cider, hot chocolate and more. It also lights up after dark to add to the fantastic light displays across the town centre.
The wheel is open Sunday to Wednesday 12 noon to 6pm, Thursdays 12 noon to 8pm and Fridays and Saturdays 10am to 8pm. The only day it will be closed is Christmas Day.
Tickets can be purchased at the entrance to the giant Ferris wheel and are priced £4 for adults and £2 for children and concessions or a family of four can purchase a family ticket for £10.
Anyone who purchases a giant Ferris wheel ticket and takes it into the O2 store in Market Walk, will be entered into a free prize draw to win a tablet.
Councillor Peter Wilson, who has responsibility for the town centre and events at Chorley Council, said: “We are delighted to be bringing the giant Ferris wheel back to give local people, visitors and traders another spectacular Christmas in Chorley.
“The ride is now open so make sure you come and take a ride with family and friends while it’s here. It can take 144 passengers at any one time so there will be plenty of opportunity to take a ride above the rooftops of Chorley.
“The wheel does take up some car park spaces on the Flat Iron but we have brought the Ferris wheel back after people requested it. Plus on Monday 14 December, we are opening a new car park on Cleveland Street, opposite the Post Office, with 21 spaces including two disabled bays. This car park will provide free parking for up to three hours, which is ideal for shopping in town.
“There’s also lots of other activities going on in the run up to Christmas including free face painting and arts and craft in Market Walk as well as some festive entertainment in some areas of the town centre.
“Chorley’s Santa Express land train is also running between the town centre and Astley Hall every Saturday and Sunday until Sunday 20 December. Unfortunately, tickets to meet Father Christmas at Astley Hall are all sold out but people can still pay on the day if they would simply like to take to ride the train.
“Over the past few years, the council has worked hard to create a real festive buzz about the town and offer something different from other areas. We want to continue building on this to encourage more people to visit Chorley and boost the local economy.”
Chorley’s giant Ferris wheel opened at 10am on Friday 11 December.
To keep up-to-date with Chorley’s Christmas plans, please check chorley.gov.uk like Chorley Council on Facebook or follow @ChorleyCouncil on Twitter.