Llandudno's Ferris wheel opens at Sheffield Christmas market

Llandudno Pier owner Adam Williams has sent the £1million structure to Sheffield Christmas market after being taken down from the pier last month.

The 18-gondola wheel, which was custom-made in late August, proved a hit with residents and attracted thousands of people to the North Shore towards the end of the summer tourist season.

As the cold weather came in and fewer people visit the promenade, the wheel was disassembled and will return to Llandudno before the Easter holidays.

Llandudno Ferris wheel, Sheffield Christmas market.

In the meantime, Mr Williams said the wheel has been “plastered” with ‘Llandudno’ to raise the profile of the town in Sheffield, where it will stay until January.

“There have been a lot of positive comments about the Ferris wheel from people in Sheffield,” he said.

“It is in a very prominent location at the Christmas market in the city centre and you can’t miss it.

"It will be a billboard for Llandudno, right in middle of a busy Christmas market.

“Hopefully it will help to attract tourists who would usually visit Skegness will come to Llandudno instead.

The Ferris wheel was opened for the final night of the season during the North Shore fireworks display on November 6. Picture: Tony Mottram

"If we can get just 10 per cent of people at the market to come, that is a lot of people.”

The investment is one several plans that Mr Williams has to improve tourism in Llandudno, which include the potential £15million development at the former Pavilion site.

ITV show The Pier will also air on English and Scottish channels in the New Year.

“The Ferris wheel will be visible just as the show goes onto the UK airwaves, which will have an even greater impact,” Mr Williams said.

“"Hopefully the TV show will correspond with people seeing the wheel and they will get booking down at this end."