A giant observation wheel will be the focal point of an expanded Light Up Cheltenham in February.

It will be the first time a wheel of this kind, standing at more than 35-metres high, will have been brought to Cheltenham.

The wheel will feature throughout the three-week Light Up Cheltenham event, organised by Cheltenham BID, which will run from February 2nd until February 24th.

It will stand in Imperial Gardens, where it will be surrounded by floodlit buildings including the Queens Hotel, the Town Hall, 131, and a terrace of ornate Regency buildings. The colour schemes will change over the three weeks and on February 14th, to celebrate Valentine’s Day, the whole town will turn red.

Close by, buildings like the Municipal Offices and majestic buildings on the Promenade will also be floodlit, as will Neptune’s Fountain.

The event will also spread across the town to areas and buildings including Boots corner, The Brewery Quarter, John Lewis and Partners and the United Services Club.
Spectacular street theatre drumming group Spark!, who were a massive hit at the first Light Up Cheltenham last year, will return to launch the event from 5pm on Saturday February 2nd. Further entertainment will be provided by the Photon Juggling LED Glow Show, who will perform on High Street on Saturday February 16th at the start of the half-term holiday.

BID Director Kevan Blackadder said: “Light Up Cheltenham was so popular when we ran it for a week last year that we wanted to expand to three weeks this year.
“We are delighted to be working with the de Koning Leisure Group who have taken the giant observation wheel to towns and cities across the country. This is a first for Cheltenham and will give people a unique view of the town and the illuminated buildings.”

The wheel will operate from 3pm every day with extended operating times at weekends and throughout the half-term holiday. A ten-minute ride will cost just £5 for an adult, £4 for a child and a family ticket is £15.

Jan de Kroning, of de Kroning Leisure Group, said: “The wheel gives guests a previously unseen bird’s eye view of their surroundings. We’re very pleased to be bringing it to Cheltenham for the first time.”

The expanded Light Up Cheltenham sees Cheltenham BID increase the number of buildings illuminated from six to more than 20.

As well as many buildings having floodlights for the first time, other permanently-lit businesses will change their colour schemes to be part of Light Up Cheltenham. They include Martin and Co, The Bank House, Knight Frank and Cotswold Transport Planning.

Kevan added: “This event is all about adding some colour and fun to Cheltenham town centre in what can be one of the quietest months of the year in towns and cities across the country.

“We would love to see people come into town in the late-afternoon and early evening; taking pictures in front of the buildings, sharing them on social media and maybe even some proposals on Valentine’s Day.”

Cheltenham BID is again working with events company SLX on lighting the buildings across the town.