A GIANT fairground wheel will be the centrepiece of Bolton’s Christmas celebrations.

The huge 100ft Ferris wheel will be set up in Victoria Square from December 12 as part of Bolton Council’s bumper festive package.

It is thought to be the only giant wheel in Greater Manchester this Christmas.

The ride, which can seat a total of 144 people, will offer a bird’s eye view of the rolling Pennine countryside when people reach the top of the wheel and it will be brightly lit each evening.

Each open-sided gondola can seat six people.

Other highlights of the town centre festivities include the return of the popular 200 square metre ice rink and a free Santa’s grotto on Victoria Square from November 30.

A speciality market will be held in Newport Street from December 12 to 15, there will be a chance to meet real reindeer and street entertainment will also be laid on to pull in the crowds.

Council leader Cllr Cliff Morris said: “The giant wheel is a fantastic addition to the town centre and something that is sure to appeal to people of all ages.

“We know how popular these attractions are from places like Manchester and Liverpool. This particular wheel is one of the biggest of its kind which travels around the country and it has visited locations including Leeds and the Etihad stadium in Manchester.

“Together with everything else we’ve got happening, it really will be a winter wonderland experience not to be missed.”

And retail bosses have given their backing to the festive wonderland in Bolton town centre.

Crompton Place manager, Malcolm Angus, said: “We are delighted to be supporting the council to deliver a healthy dose of festive fun and Christmas cheer for the town.

“Crompton Place is at the heart of the community and we are always keen to lend our support to events like this which encourage people to come and make the most of all the great shopping which Bolton has to offer.

“While parents are doing their Christmas shopping with us, there will also be the opportunity to bag one of 300 family tickets for a free ride on the giant wheel and skating for an hour on the ice rink when shoppers spend £30 or more in one go at the participating Crompton Place retailers.”

From December 12, the wheel will open: Thursday to Saturday from 11am to 7.30pm; Sundays 11am to 5.30pm; Monday to Wednesday from 11am to 5.30pm. The wheel will be open on Christmas Eve, Boxing Day, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day from 11am to 4pm. It will be closed on Christmas Day.

The ride costs: £3.50 for adults; £2 for under-16s, and £2.50 for senior citizens and students.

Family tickets at £7 cover two adults and two children or one adult and three children.

Joint tickets for the giant wheel and ice rink can also be bought.

Discounts apply and prices vary.

Tickets can be bought online from visitbolton.com from Monday, October 28, and in person from box offices on Victoria Square when the attractions open.

Bolton Market is also looking for quality festive crafts, gifts and decorations traders for a four day speciality market taking place from Thursday, December 12 to Sunday, December 15. Opening times vary and deadline for traders to apply is October 30.

Contact bolton.markets@bolton.gov.uk for more information.