A 33-metre high observation wheel giving people views of North Yorkshire landmarks, including the White Horse at Kilburn and Studley Royal, is opening on Saturday (April 5).
Members of the public will be able to board the big wheel in Ripon Market Square from 11am until 7pm from Saturday until Sunday, April 27.
Admission will be £5 for people under 1.4m and £7 for people over 1.4m.
As part of the attraction, people will be able to see an aerial view of Ripon, including a stunning angle of Ripon Cathedral and Ripon Racecourse, while, on a clear day, people will be able to see the White Horse at Kilburn and part of Fountain’s Abbey and Studley Royal.
The wheel, which is sometimes situated in Harrogate during the Christmas festivities, has been moved to Ripon as part of a tourism boost to try and bring more and more visitors to the city.
Planning for the big wheel in Ripon started on January 3 this year, with tourism and events bosses hoping that it will be the ‘catalyst’ of driving more people into businesses in the city, while also introducing more visitors.
Tim Dabell, event management officer for the Parks and Open Spaces Team at North Yorkshire Council, believes that the “spectacular wheel” has the potential to bring Ripon thousands of Pounds in the visitor economy and bring locals into the city too.
He said: “A lot of people thought this wouldn’t be possible, but I’m delighted that it’s taken shape, and it’s here now.
“Ripon is a stunning location, and I’m glad that we’ve got some good weather planned for people to enjoy this attraction.”
The building work for the Big Wheel has been taking place since Tuesday (April 1), with Mr Dabell not ruling out that the attraction could find its way to other North Yorkshire locations soon.
There are no advance bookings available, so organisers have advised people to turn up and enjoy the historic sights of Ripon as you have never seen them before.
Lilla Bathurst, manager Ripon BID and Visit Ripon, believes that the big wheel has come at the “perfect time” with the Easter holiday at school.
She said: “The city has been buzzing since it was first announced; we’ve marketed the whole thing down the whole of the A1(M).
“It’s come at a great time and hope it will invite families in, and pair nicely with the Easter trail we have here, Easter canal cruises and all of the other events that our museums and attractions have in Ripon.”
The wheel will not be operating in adverse weather conditions and can close to the public at short notice in such circumstances.