Published Tuesday 6 May 2025 at 16:32
To mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day, The Giant Wheel Company is offering free rides on its 50-metre wheel in Blackburn town centre for all veterans and serving Armed Forces personnel.
The huge Ferris wheel – similar in height to 11 stacked double-decker buses and the largest transportable wheel in the UK – opened in Cathedral Square on Saturday.
Over the Bank Holiday weekend, riders flocked to enjoy panoramic views across the town centre and beyond.
Now, to coincide with the VE Day commemorations on Thursday, organisers are offering free rides on the wheel as a thank-you to Armed Forces personnel and veterans for their service.
The offer will run for the full duration of the wheel’s stay in Blackburn – right up until Sunday, June 8.
Evan de Koning from The Giant Wheel Company said:
We wanted to do something special to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day and honour those who have served our country.
For the full five weeks while the wheel is in Blackburn, all serving Armed Forces personnel and veterans can ride for free.
All we ask is that they show their ID at the ticket office.
The huge wheel – located opposite Blackburn Railway Station, close to the Cathedral and outside Checks and Greys Café and The Firepit restaurant – is the largest in the company’s fleet and can be seen from vantage points right across the town.
It has previously been a popular attraction at the Trafford Centre, with the company also supplying wheels for events including the British Grand Prix at Silverstone and the Isle of Wight Festival.
There are 36 gondolas on the 50-metre wheel, each with space for six people. An adapted gondola with wheelchair access is also available.
Councillor Quesir Mahmood, Deputy Leader of Blackburn with Darwen Council and Executive Member for Growth and Development, said:
Already the wheel is proving to be quite the spectacle – it’s huge!
It’s fantastic that The Giant Wheel Company has brought it to Blackburn, and that they’re offering free tickets to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day – what a kind gesture.
As a Council we’ve been proud to support the attraction which is bringing visitors to our town centre and the VE Day commemorations right across our borough, including the hugely popular VE80 Fest at Witton Park. This is a great way of bringing together the two.
Remembering all those who gave so much for our country is incredibly important to us all as is recognising the ongoing efforts of our Armed Forces.
A full rundown of VE Day commemorations can be found on the Council’s Shuttle website, including details of two short services outside both Blackburn and Darwen Town Halls on Thursday just before 11am.
Tickets to ride the giant wheel are £8 for adults, £6 for children under 1.4m tall, with a discounted family ticket – for two adults and two children – costing £23.
The wheel will be open from 12 noon to 10pm Sunday to Friday, and from 11am to 10pm on Saturdays.
For a full guide to what’s on in Blackburn town centre, places to visit, and the best spots to eat and drink, check out the new Discover Blackburn website.
You’ll also find inspiration for family days out, date nights and trips with friends on the Discover Blackburn Facebook, Instagram and TikTok pages – give them a follow so you don’t miss out.
And keep an eye out for a handy half-term activity guide coming soon, with a host of free sessions already announced at Blackburn Market.
With special thanks to Shafiq Khan for the image of the big wheel