Festive Success At The Falkirk Wheel

9 January 2006

The Falkirk Wheel was 'the' place to meet Santa Claus last Christmas with kids of all ages rushing to visit his new secret Scottish headquarters.

From December 1 st to December 24 th nearly 6000 passengers hopped on board the inaugural festive boat trips, devised to give children an extra-special treat in the run up to Christmas.

Not only did visitors sail through the Wheel accompanied by Elves, they were amazed by the magical snow storm in the Roughcastle Tunnel - the only snow to fall in Falkirk last month - and astounded by the glittering secret village where Santa boarded the boat to hand out presents.

Richard Millar, Business Development Manager, British Waterways Scotland , said: "The Falkirk Wheel has always been a popular destination to meet Santa but this year, with the opening of his secret village, people came in their droves and many of the festive boat trips were fully booked by November.

"Visitors who enjoyed the special trips had a truly unique adventure, and all the children really loved the whole Wheel experience, as well as meeting Father Christmas and his Elves."

But it wasn't just the fantastic festive trips which saw people flock to The Falkirk Wheel throughout December.

The exclusive 'All I Want For Christmas' toy exhibition proved a massive success with thousands of visitors reminiscing about their childhood as they admired all the toys from the past 50 years that were on display.

Many shoppers chose the Christmas market as the place to pick up a plethora of unique gifts for their friends and family while children enjoyed the selection of fairground rides on offer.

And each Saturday night, families were amazed by the tremendous fireworks display which lit up the sky.

Richard Millar added: "It truly was a magical time at The Falkirk Wheel. There was something for all the family to enjoy and children will be glad to hear that Santa has agreed to let them visit his secret village once again next Christmas."

Following the successful Christmas festivities, The Falkirk Wheel is now closing for a few weeks for its annual service. The wheel will be back in action on Saturday 3 rd February and plans are now being made for a series of dynamic events for the new 2007 season.

ENDS

Issued on behalf of The Falkirk Wheel by Wave PR. For more information contact Chris Bell or Alison Jack on 0141 303 8390.