Breathtaking views of city from top of giant Ferris wheel

‘The wheel worked very well for us when it was here before, but we would like even more people to come and visit it’

Spectacular city views will be possible from this week as a giant Ferris wheel returns for the University of Kent’s 50th anniversary celebrations.

Thousands of visitors are expected to experience the 33-metre high ride during its stay on campus over the next three months.

It was originally installed for a visit last October on a meadow between the university’s Eliot and Rutherford colleges.

But its previous three-week tenure endured criticism from students who claimed its £54,800 cost was too high.

However, the university said a total of £36,000 in ticket sales went towards its Kent Opportunity Fund, which offers scholarships and bursaries to students in financial difficulties.

The wheel’s return forms part of a series of events marking the university’s foundation, which have included a special live edition of the TV quiz show QI hosted by Herne Bay comedian Sandi Toksvig and star of the series Alan Davies, who is a former Kent student.

Celebrations for the university’s milestone will be capped with its largest ever reunion of former students, which is being held between September 4 and 6. This includes a community open day supported by the area’s schools, with a total of 100 activities planned.

These range from demonstrations of what life as a caveman would have been like, through to science-based, rocket-building workshops.

Tim Farrow, the University of Kent’s 50th anniversary officer, says there has been an encouraging response to the wheel and its other celebrations.

He said: “This is a really big milestone for us and the wheel worked very well for us when it was here before, but we would like even more people to come and visit it, as well as making use of other facilities on site, including the Gulbenkian Theatre and our sports centre.

“We are incredibly proud of our roots here in Canterbury, which is why we planned all sorts of activities for students, families and the community.

“This has been a big year for us academically, but this was also chance for us to do something that was a little fun.

“There are fantastic views of the city from the wheel when you are up there 33 metres high, looking to the Cathedral and over to Whitstable as well.”

He added that the wheel is a new version of last year’s model, with the latest installation having been used for the Radio One Big Weekend, which has an improved lighting system.

With a total of 50,000 conference guests expected on campus over the summer, the university is expecting a brisk trade for its big wheel, which will cost £3 a ride in one of its 24 pods.

Tickets can be bought on the gate or at www.kent.ac.uk

The giant Ferris wheel is returning