Not a great day to be taking this shot, with it being rather grey and dull, but this was the last day it was due to be operating before it was dismantled and moved to another town or city.
York has had something of a love / hate relationship with big wheels over quite a few years. It took quite a while for the first big wheel to be erected here, and even then it was out of the city centre, at the railway museum.
The second wheel was a little more central, but still well out of the heart of the city, being located in the grounds of the Principal Hotel, next to the railway station.
This is the third wheel to visit York, and this time it is very central, being erected in St Sampson's Square, but only allowed to stay for 3 weeks. No doubt by now it will be dismantled, and quite soon the square will be filled with wooden structures for the Christmas Fayre, which is due to start in two weeks time.
So, here is a very brief change to the York skyline. On the right of the shot are the first signs of Christmas decorations, with a solitary star
We have one, probably this one, during the Christmas period. It is mounted just outside Valletta, our capital city, in a lovely wide square where it doesn't effect shopping or the flow of people. In your picture it looks dull but that must be due to the weather.
Thank you all for your lovely comments and favs, they are very much appreciated.
There has been strong opposition in the city council to having a big wheel in the heart of the city. I suspect that this short visit is meant to convince councilors than having a big wheel is a good idea, and that the wheel might be back next year for a longer stay.
I remember the shot you posted of the view. It seemed to be always busy, but I'm not sure how profitable it would be since it was only in place for 3 weeks, with a major building and dismantling process before and after.
Great composition
Thank you all for your lovely comments and favs, they are very much appreciated.
There has been strong opposition in the city council to having a big wheel in the heart of the city. I suspect that this short visit is meant to convince councilors than having a big wheel is a good idea, and that the wheel might be back next year for a longer stay.
Ian
I remember the shot you posted of the view. It seemed to be always busy, but I'm not sure how profitable it would be since it was only in place for 3 weeks, with a major building and dismantling process before and after.
Ian
I didn't get a ride. I really don't have a head for heights as I've got older - and most of the time there has been a queue to go on it.
Ian
33 metres high. Not as big as the previous big wheel, but high enough to give nice views over the city centre.
Ian
Thank you Kathy - I liked the contrast of the street scene and the wheel towering above.
Ian