Lights fantastic as big wheel and performers ready for switch on

MORE than 40 businesses will be illuminated when Light Up Cheltenham returns for three weeks from this Saturday, February 2.

Among the prominent buildings to be lit is the historic dome that now makes up part of The Ivy Montpellier Brasserie.

Cheltenham Business Improvement District is organising the threeweek celebration, which will also feature a giant observation wheel, standing more than 35-metres high in Imperial Gardens.

Historic buildings on The Promenade and Clarence Street will also be taking part for the first time.

There will be a range of colours displayed and all the buildings will turn red for Valentine’s Day.

As well as many buildings having floodlights for the first time, other permanently-lit businesses will change their colour schemes.

Street theatre drumming group Spark!, who were a massive hit at the first event last year, will return to the launch from 5pm on Saturday.

Further entertainment will be provided by the Photon Juggling LED Glow Show on Saturday February 16 at the start of the half-term holiday.

BID Director Kevan Blackadder said: “The response from businesses of all kinds has been fantastic

“I’d like to give a particular mention for Michael Gardiner, manager at Slaters Menswear, in The Promenade. His business can’t benefit directly but he is allowing us to use his roof to light up 10 buildings on either side. He understands that the whole town can benefit.”

The giant wheel will operate from 3pm every day with extended operating times at weekends and throughout the half-term holiday.

A ten-minute ride will cost £5 for an adult, £4 for a child and a family ticket is £15.