THE popular Big Wheel is set to return to Bournemouth’s Pier Approach tomorrow.

Residents and visitors will once again be able to enjoy stunning views of the town and the coastline from more than 100ft in the air.

The attraction, which lured crowds of people to the town over the Christmas and New Year period, will remain until September 5.

Tickets will cost £5 for adults and £4 for children up to 1.4m tall. A family ticket costs £15.

The news was announced after it was confirmed that the Bournemouth balloon will not be coming back to the Lower Gardens.

The return of the big wheel is just one of a number of attractions announced as celebrations for English Tourism Week get under way. Sunday March 26 will see the first-ever Sandstorm, which will transform Bournemouth beach into the ultimate outdoor activity assault course. Participants will tackle 20 obstacles over a 5k circuit in the event, organised by the RNLI.

The following weekend will see the Bournemouth Bay Run, celebrating its 35th anniversary on Sunday April 2.

And Bournemouth Tourism has also launched a competition to win a stay in one of its new overnight-stay beach lodges, between Boscombe and Southbourne.

Jon Weaver, Head of Resort at Bournemouth Tourism said: “Bournemouth takes pride in being a destination that offers a wide variety of invigorating and inspiring holiday experiences, from family fun on our sandy beaches to outdoor adventure, cultural delights and of course an array of award-winning festivals.

“We are thrilled to be hosting some fantastic events in honour of English Tourism Week.”

Cllr Lawrence Williams, Bournemouth council’s Cabinet member for tourism, added: “Because there is no balloon, we felt that we wanted to offer something that was of a similar nature. The big wheel was becoming very popular during its last visit and it is part of our exciting summer line-up.”

The beach lodge competition runs from March 25 until April 3. Enter online at bournemouth.co.uk/etw