Final weekend for observation wheel on Ipswich Waterfront

The big observation wheel, which towers at an impressive 144ft will welcome its last customers on Sunday, March 16.

To mark its final weekend, local photographer Jeff Welch has captured stunning photos of the wheel.

The 144ft observation wheel operates from 12pm-8pm (Image: Jeff Welch) Beloved characters such as Bluey, Bingo, Mickey, Minnie and Pikachu will appear on Saturday, March 15 from 1pm-6pm to meet before or after a trip around the wheel.

Read more: Free to attend character day at Ipswich Waterfront

On Sunday, March 16, a Transformers themed day will see Optimus Prime and Bumblebee appear on the final day of the waterfront attraction. 

These stunning photos of the observation wheel where taken by local photographer Jeff Welch (Image: Jeff Welch) From one of the 27 gondolas, customers are treated to views across Ipswich, with scenes such as the River Orwell and Portman Road, and on a clear day can offer views of up to 10 miles away. 

Tickets are available at the kiosk, with prices set at £4 for children and £5 for an adult, a family ticket of three children and two adults is also on offer for £20 for a 15 minute ride, which takes you around the wheel three times. 

The three-week attraction has been in the works for quite some time, with the organisers City Observations, saying they have been working with Ipswich Borough Council for the last 12 months.

Views of the wheel include the River Orwell and Portman Road (Image: Jeff Welch) Jane Riley, the borough council's portfolio holder for culture and customers, said the local authority was glad to create a "vibrant atmosphere" for the town, following the success of Illuminate Ipswich.

There was anger from residents along the waterfront who say they were not consulted over the plans and had concerns that the wheel would allow people to look over their balconies. 

In response Ms Riley said that informed residents of the plan is the responsibility of the organisers, in this case City Observations.