THE Big Wheel at Poole's Baiter Park, part of the town's maritime festival celebrations, is scheduled to open to the public on Friday.

With just three weeks until the Poole Maritime Festival starts in earnest, preparations are now in full swing across the borough.

Rides on the 35-metre high Poole Harbour Big Wheel will be available seven days a week for four weeks.

Borough of Poole (BOP) beat a number of other port towns and cities for the right to host European Maritime Day.

Although, this event, which will bring together hundreds of European maritime experts for a two-day conference at Poole's Lighthouse theatre, is just one aspect of the wider Poole Maritime Festival.

The festival also boasts the Poole Harbour Boat Show, the Seven Seas Festival - including the Big Wheel - at Baiter Park, the Taste of the South Food Festival at Poole Park, and a number of other performances and exhibitions.

Seven Seas Festival director Ben Dyas said: "We wanted to create something really special for the people of Poole and visitors to the area to give an early taste of what can be expected during the main festival."

The 144-rider wheel is positioned next to Harbourside car park and, organisers say, it offers views of up to 10 miles away on a clear day.

Meanwhile, the European Maritime Day conferences take place on May 18 & 19, with the harbour boat show running from May 19- 21.

Taste of the South and the Seven Seas Festival both run from May 19-21.

Visit poolemaritimefestival.uk for further details of all these events.

There is still a chance to secure tickets for the Mayor of Poole's Maritime Ball, which will kick-start the town's celebrations on May 13.

This prestigious event, set for the Lighthouse theatre, will bring together businesses and individuals together for an evening of fine food, wine and entertainment.

It includes a champagne reception, followed by a three-course meal and entertainment from soul and funk band, Soul Machine.

Proceeds go towards the mayor's charities - Chestnut Nursery, Waggy Tails Rescue and the Lewis-Manning Hospice.

Tickets, costing £750 for a table to ten, are available from poolemaritimeball.com