October 12, 2021

Clacton Pier’s popular wheel experience is set to roll back into town after a winter break in Wales.

The 33metre high ride is being dismantled and taken to Swansea to honour a commitment made before it was introduced at the iconic seaside attraction in the summer.

The wheel will form part of the Swansea Winter Wonderland experience before returning to Clacton for February half term.

Work on taking down the structure – which has received plenty of positive feedback - will begin on Monday (October 18) and will take three days, depending on the weather.

It was originally brought to the Pier as part of its 150^th anniversary celebrations, along with two other rides.

Director Billy Ball said he is delighted with the wheel’s first season on site.

“It proved to be a really well-received addition to our ever-improving offer and we hope to make it a permanent fixture at our attraction going forwards,” he said.

“We knew when we took it on that it was committed to be part of the event in Wales this winter and there was no option other than to honour that.

“People will see it start to come down on Monday but after its short holiday it will be coming back for February half term 2022.

“The response we received after introducing the wheel was amazing and it literally topped off our 150^th year!”

Mr Ball said that he was proud that all NHS staff were offered a free ride on the wheel as part of an introductory offer and to thank them for all their efforts of behalf of the community.

There was also a celebratory price of £1.50 per person after the wheel opened in June to mark Clacton’s 150^th birthday.

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PHOTO BY KEVIN JAY