A giant observation wheel will be the focal point of an expanded Light Up Cheltenham in February.

It will be the first time a wheel of this kind, standing at more than 35-metres high, will have been brought to Cheltenham.

The wheel will feature throughout the three-week Light Up Cheltenham event, organised by Cheltenham BID, which will run from February 2 until February 24.

It will stand in Imperial Gardens, where it will be surrounded by floodlit buildings including the Queens Hotel, the Town Hall, 131, and a terrace of ornate Regency buildings. The colour schemes will change over the three weeks and on February 14th, to celebrate Valentine's Day, the whole town will turn red.

Close by, buildings like the Municipal Offices and majestic buildings on the Promenade will also be floodlit, as will Neptune's Fountain.

The event will also spread across the town to areas and buildings including Boots corner, The Brewery Quarter, John Lewis and Partners and the United Services Club.

Spectacular street theatre drumming group Spark!, who were a massive hit at the first Light Up Cheltenham last year, will return to launch the event from 5pm on Saturday, February 2.

Further entertainment will be provided by the Photon Juggling LED Glow Show, who will perform on High Street on Saturday, February 16 at the start of the half-term holiday.

Kevan Blackadder, BID director said: "Light Up Cheltenham was so popular when we ran it for a week last year that we wanted to expand to three weeks this year.

"We are delighted to be working with the de Koning Leisure Group who have taken the giant observation wheel to towns and cities across the country. This is a first for Cheltenham and will give people a unique view of the town and the illuminated buildings."

The wheel will operate from 3pm every day with extended operating times at weekends and throughout the half-term holiday. A ten-minute ride will cost just £5 for an adult, £4 for a child and a family ticket is £15.

As well as many buildings having floodlights for the first time, other permanently-lit businesses will change their colour schemes to be part of Light Up Cheltenham. They include Martin and Co, The Bank House, Knight Frank and Cotswold Transport Planning.