Stratford-upon-Avon set for big wheel to mark Shakespeare anniversary

The wheel is expected to be a similar size to the Brighton Wheel

Stratford-upon-Avon is set to get a big wheel next spring after councillors backed the plan in principle.

The council's cabinet agreed to have an observation wheel in the historic town between March and September 2016.

It would be a "good attraction" and be part of events marking the 400th anniversary of William Shakespeare's death, a council spokeswoman said.

The writer was born in Stratford in 1564 and the anniversary is expected to be marked around the world.

Conservative-run Stratford council will now begin a tendering process for the wheel which is set to be put up near the River Avon.

The wheel, which is also subject to planning permission, is expected to be put up on part of the Recreation Ground car park.

The council has previously been approached by "a number of observation wheel operators" wishing to put up the attraction in the town next year, it said.

The wheel is expected to be between 45m (147ft) and 50m (164 ft) tall, similar in size to the wheel brought to Birmingham's Centenary Square over the Christmas period or the Brighton Wheel, the spokeswoman added.

In King Lear, Shakespeare wrote the line "the wheel is come full circle"