Photo call: media invited to celebrate the opening of The English Riviera Wheel on Friday 27 May 2016.

Time-lapse footage of wheel construction also available.

Media are invited to attend a photo call to mark the official opening of the English Riviera Wheel at Princess Gardens, Torquay at 10 am on Friday 27 May following the public opening of the attraction at 12pm on Thursday 26 May.

Time-lapse footage:
The installation of the 60 metre high structure - taller than Nelson’s Column - took a ten strong team ten days to complete, using high-tech hydraulic equipment, cranes and heavy lifting gear to build the 320 tonne structure; delivered by lorries designed to carry some of the heaviest loads permitted on British roads.

Time-lapse footage of the complicated construction is available for the media to use, both in HD and low-res for online use. Please contact the Torbay Council communication team for access to this footage.

Wonderful views:
The English Riviera Wheel has been enthralling locals and visitors alike with magnificent and unparalleled views across Torbay for four years. Over that time hundreds of thousands of people have stepped aboard one of its 40 enclosed gondolas, which carry six people at a time, including wheelchair users.

Now entering its fifth year of operation on Torquay’s seafront, the English Riviera Wheel will be open from 10 am until 10 pm during the upcoming school summer holidays and from 10 am until 8 pm during non-school holiday periods.

It opens for the first day of business at 12 noon on Thursday 26 May 2016
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Torbay’s Mayor Gordon Oliver said: "The English Riviera Wheel has become a much-loved local landmark and attraction, enabling many thousands of people to see and experience the natural beauty of Torbay. It is wonderful to have it returning again this year and we look forward to welcoming visitors to the Bay this summer season to enjoy all that the area has to offer.”

Mellors Group Director James Mellor said: “We have been really looking forward to returning to Torbay with the English Riviera Wheel. It has proved very popular during its four previous visits to the Bay and has given the area’s profile a much deserved boost. We hope that residents, tourists and businesses will once again support us.”