LNER has welcomed some very special passengers to help officially launch the new LNER Big Wheel at Edinburgh’s Christmas this festive period.
The train operator teamed up with charity Hull & East Yorkshire Children’s University and 25 children from Hall Road Primary School who enjoyed a very special ride on the 46m tall Ferris wheel as part of their visit. The popular wheel is at the heart of Edinburgh’s Christmas celebrations.
For some of the children, it is the first time they have travelled away from home. The group enjoyed spectacular views of Edinburgh’s historic Old Town, its famous Castle and Arthur’s Seat, and saw the city’s sparkling Christmas attractions from a unique vantage. Father Christmas also took time out of his very busy schedule to wish the group a happy Christmas.
The children were joined at the launch by Brian Quinn from LNER’s team at Edinburgh Waverley, Cllr Lezley Marion Cameron from Edinburgh City Council, and Richard Ellis from Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce.
LNER is at the heart of the communities it serves and regularly supports Hull & East Yorkshire Children’s University through its Charity Group Travel discount.
The charity aims to broaden horizons of children living in Hull and East Yorkshire by giving them experiences that they otherwise may not have. They deliver 400 experiences a year to more than 13,000 children, ranging from local trips to experiences as far as Scotland.
David Flesher, LNER’s Commercial Director, said: “The LNER Big Wheel has proved incredibly popular since its opening in November. We are delighted to mark the official launch in such a special way, providing schoolchildren with an experience that will have hopefully created magical, long-lasting memories.
“At LNER, we offer discounted travel to support hundreds of charities and organisations all year round, including Hull & East Yorkshire Children’s University. We also provide grants through our Customer and Community Investment Fund which, in the last year, has received a record-number of applications.
“It is truly heartwarming to hear of and see the difference that the fund and our wider charitable support is making in people’s lives across our route.”
Rose James, Chief Executive Officer at Hull & East Yorkshire Children’s University said: “Our Edinburgh experiences are incredibly exciting as they often contain many “firsts” for the children: the first time they have been on a train, the first time they have ever visited a new city, the first time sleeping away from home and the first time visiting a new country.
“We are so grateful to LNER for adding another to the list by gifting the children a ride on the LNER Big Wheel. Visiting Edinburgh is magical at this time of year and when Santa made an appearance it was the cherry on the cake.”
Unique Assembly, producers of Edinburgh’s Christmas, said: “We are so pleased to be working with LNER and its charities. The LNER Big Wheel lights up not only Edinburgh’s Christmas and the city centre but also the faces of the many thousands of visitors who enjoy a magical time aboard the attraction.
“Along with over 7,500 free tickets distributed to local charities and community groups, we were thrilled to welcome children from Hull & East Yorkshire Children’s University and Santa Claus himself to share the magical experience of Christmas in Edinburgh, spreading festive cheer to all.”
LNER, which connects millions of customers to the Scottish capital with ease every year, will sponsor the Big Wheel at Edinburgh’s Christmas for the next three years.
The LNER Big Wheel is open from 10am – 10pm every day until Saturday 4 January 2025 with EH postcode residents able to enjoy a 20% discount. Details can be found at Edinburgh-christmas.com.