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THE largest touring big wheel in Europe is about to make an appearance on Liverpool's

skyline.

The towering ride, which has already visited Hamburg, Munich and Dublin, is being built in Williamson Square.

It will be 35m high

(114ft), giving panoramic views and becoming Liverpool's version of the hugely successful London Eye.



After it opens to the public later this month,

the big wheel will stay in place until after Christmas.It will be covered in more than 20,000 white lights and form the centrepiece of the city's Christmas

attractions.

Business and city council leaders have brought the ride to Liverpool to thank people for their patience while streets are dug

up.

Christmas shoppers are battling with roadworks on Church Street and Lord Street, while main routes such as The Strand and Edge Lane are still

covered in cones.

City officials say ride costs will be deliberately kept low (£2.50 adults, £2 children) so as many people as possible can enjoy the

big wheel.

Carl Speight, from Liverpool's Business Improvement District, said: "The very large steel stanchions went into place over the weekend, and

the actual wheel will be built this week."

The wheel will open on October 24. Its official launch is on November 2, along with the city centre's

festive programme.