Hunstanton's Mayor riding high on the Hunstanton Eye

Hunstanton's Mayor riding high on the Hunstanton Eye

The View was officially opened by the Mayor and Mayoress of Hunstanton on Saturday.

Dominating the town's skyline, the 100ft tall wheel is located on the former Kit-Kat site and will be offering rides until the third week in August.

WEB 21IB Hunstanton Wheel Opening 2

Although locals have dubbed it the 'Hunstanton Eye', its real name is The View and it's owned by the family-run business W M Attractions. The business bought the attraction just over a year ago and this is The View's second operational venue having relocated from Chester-Le-Street near Newcastle where it operated for six weeks.

WEB 21IB Hunstanton Wheel Opening 8

Cutting the ribbon with Mr Appleton the Mayor, Cllr Adrian Winnington said: 

"The first Big Wheel was invented by George Washington Gale Ferris. It was built for the World’s Columbian Exhibition in Chicago and was opened on 21st June 1893.

"Ferris Wheels are a notable sight in a number of seaside resorts around the UK, including where my sister and mother live down at Worthing.

"We already have many great rides on our permanent fairground, Rainbow Park. This Big Wheel is an added temporary attraction which will alter our seafront skyline for a short time; I believe some people are already calling it the “Hunstanton Eye”.

"I hope that the many visitors we welcome to Hunstanton this summer will enjoy this and all our other attractions during their stay."

Mr Appleton said: "People seem happy to see us here and we like to see people out enjoying themselves; it's another attraction for Hunstanton."

Taking to the VIP car, the Mayor and Mayoress, Mrs Catherine Winnington, were able to view the town and surrounding area. 

WEB 21IB Hunstanton Wheel Opening 11

"Catherine and I are both not very happy with heights but were very happy in our "car" which gave a very smooth ride with fantastic "seagull" views of the town and Wash. 

"All those people who came on the wheel with us were given a free ride and Mr Appleton also very kindly presented me with a cheque (£200) for my Mayor's Charities (Youth Organisations within Hunstanton).

The Latest News in North-West Norfolk

Students' Court Success