Coventry's big wheel cheaper than festive ice rink - council

[dutchman]

A 100ft (30m) big wheel has been installed in Coventry city centre in place of an ice skating rink



Outdoor ice skating will not be returning to Coventry this Christmas due to the "alternative offer" of a big wheel, the council has said.

A temporary ice rink was set up in Broadgate during the festive season last year, and featured in the cathedral ruins before that.

But this time, the main square has a giant wheel for visitors instead.

The city council said it was a "fresh attraction", and "cheaper" and "accessible" for more residents.

"We work closely with a number of partners on our Christmas offer with the aim of making the city centre a vibrant place for visitors," a spokesperson explained.

The local authority added the big wheel in Broadgate along with the Christmas market came at no cost to it, with the wheel part of a profit share agreement to bring in income.

Standard tickets for the 100ft (30m) high attraction cost £8, and £6 for children under 1.4m tall.

Cheaper group tickets are also available and there is a gondola adapted for wheelchairs, with carers allowed to ride free.

The nearest alternative ice rinks to Coventry are at Warwick Castle and Birmingham.

[dutchman]

At least one ice rink in Holland has been abandoned this year on health and safety grounds. It simply cost the operators too much to comply with new regulations.