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All you need to know about the lastminute.com Eye

Conceived and designed by Marks Barfield Architects. Operated by Management Services Limited, a Ltd. Photo by Jack B on Unsplash Contents

3/ Discover the world of London’s 21st century landmark 4/ 2020 5/ The vision 6/ A feat of design and engineering 7/ Impressive facts and figures 8/ Big impressions count 9/ The lastminute.com London Eye River Cruise 10/ Filming and photography 11/ A positive impact on the community 12/ Fireworks 13/ 4D Cinema Experience 14/ Merlin Entertainments 15/ General information Discover the world of London’s 21st century landmark

But there’s much, much more to the London Eye than its views and engineering. It plays an integral role in the community, has become an internationally recognised symbol for London, a hugely popular filming location and is also a unique Who would have thought venue for corporate events, that such a simple idea launches and entertainment. could be so stunningly A source of pride for the whole successful? The world’s country as well as the capital, tallest cantilevered the London Eye is the most distinctive addition to the world’s observation wheel at greatest city this century, loved 135m high and sat proud by Britons and tourists alike. on the banks of the It’s so uncomplicated, but River Thames offers 360 so visionary, it’s surprising degree, breathtaking that nobody thought of it views across London. years before it happened. 3 Photo by Alessia Caudiero on Unsplash 2020

Since it officially opened to the public on March 9th 2000, twenty years ago, the London Eye has become as iconic a London landmark as Tower Bridge, Big Ben, St Paul’s Cathedral and Originally, it was intended as a temporary structure, able to be the Tower of London. dismantled and transported to a In fact, it has become the UK’s new location, and had planning most popular paid for visitor permission for just five years. But attraction. A remarkable feat with millions boarding it every of design and engineering, the year, its popularity has prompted London Eye gave London’s skyline its lease to be extended. Today a dramatic new addition and it is a permanent fixture on the has been offering guests a new London skyline and a beautiful perspective on London ever since. symbol of modern London.

4 Photo by Sam Rudkin-Millichamp on Unsplash The vision

Two people with a better idea than most were the architects and husband and wife, David Marks and Julia Barfield. They wanted to give London its own 21st Century Eiffel Tower: a structure of beauty that would As the 20th Century celebrate London’s creativity, drew to a close there innovation and technical prowess, was a natural human and provide a new perspective desire to mark the new on the world’s greatest city. millennium in an enduring They chose to represent London and substantial way. with a wheel – an age-old Newspapers asked readers symbol of time and change and, therefore, the perfect for their suggestions; structure with which to mark competitions were held; the dawn of a new millennium everybody had a view. in a city that never stands still. 5 Photo by Alex Rainer on Unsplash A feat of design and engineering

The lastminute.com London 5. The spindle which holds the 9. The total weight of the Eye was designed as a huge wheel structure is 23m long wheel and pods is 2,100 bicycle wheel structure – the height of nine classic tonnes – or as much as London red telephone boxes. 1,272 London black cabs. that is cantilevered – supported on one side. 6. The hub and spindle weigh 10. The operation had to be in at 330 tonnes – equivalent co-ordinated carefully with The London Eye uses to 49 double decker buses the tides to ensure that the enormous ‘A’ frame legs and 20 times heavier than river was low enough to supported by colossal Big Ben – the bell inside fit everything underneath St Stephen’s Tower at the London’s bridges. It was a foundations and tied back Houses of Parliament. squeeze: the clearance under by more cables anchored Southwark Bridge was just 7. Some 1,700 tonnes of underneath Jubilee Gardens. 40cm in some places. British steel were used in 1. It took seven years and the the construction of the 11. All 32 pods were fixed onto skills of hundreds of people London Eye, which makes the wheel in just eight days. from five countries to make it 298 times heavier than A decade later they were the London Eye a reality. all the top London football improved, to make their teams (West Ham, Arsenal, heating and ventilation 2. The residents of an alpine Tottenham, Chelsea, Fulham systems more efficient and village helped to test its and Charlton) combined. environmentally friendly. boarding procedures. The upgraded pods are 8. The London Eye was shipped now expected to last at 3. The design is similar to an up the River Thames by barge least another decade. enormous bicycle wheel, with in sections and assembled a central hub and spindle at the . It took The London Eye is often connected to outer and inner a week to lift it from a mistakenly called a Ferris wheel. rims by cable spokes. It is horizontal position to the This is not the case; first, the over 200 times larger than fully vertical one we all know. pods are completely enclosed the average bike wheel (and The technology employed and climate controlled; second, four times wider than the had previously been used the pods are positioned on the dome of St Paul’s Cathedral). to erect North Sea oil rigs. outside of the wheel structure 4. The 80 spokes laid together and are fully motorised; and third, would stretch for 6km – the the entire structure is supported distance from Trafalgar by an A-frame on one side only; Square to Canary Wharf. making it the world’s tallest cantilevered observation wheel.

6 Photo by Arthur Osipyan on Unsplash Things you didn’t know about the London Eye.

40 KM 800 GUESTS 32 PODS 11 TONNES 30 MINUTES You can see around 40km The London Eye can carry There are 32 pods in total; Each of the 32 capsules Each rotation takes from the top – as far as 800 guests per rotation one for each of the London weighs 11 tonnes. To put approximately 30 minutes, Windsor Castle on a clear day. – equivalent to 11 London boroughs. For superstitious that figure into perspective, meaning that a pod travels at red double decker buses. reasons they are numbered it’s the same weight as a stately 26cm per second, up to 33, with pod 13 1,157,894 pound coins. or 0.9km (0.6 miles) per left out for good luck. hour – twice as fast as a tortoise sprinting; this slow rate of rotation allows guests to step on and off without the wheel having to stop. 2300 MILES 424M 135M KATE MOSS VISITS In one year the London The circumference of the The height of the London Eye Supermodel Kate Moss The London Eye receives Eye will rotate 7668 times, London Eye is 424m (1,392ft). is 135m (443ft – equivalent holds the record for the UK more visitors annually than or 2300 miles, as far as to 64 red telephone boxes celebrity that’s enjoyed the ancient wonders of the from London to Cairo piled on top of each other), most rotations, standing world like the Taj Mahal, in Egypt, home to other at 25, and Hollywood star Stonehenge and even the wonders of the world. Jessica Alba holds the record Great Pyramids of Giza. for an overseas celebrity that’s enjoyed the most rotations, standing at 31.

75% PROPOSALS CLEAN A new LED lighting system Since opening, there All oils on the London Eye are has been introduced on have been over 5000 biodegradable, the grease is the London Eye, which marriage proposals. edible and causes no harm saves 75% more energy to wildlife and cleaning than the previous system. products are biodegradable and non-pollutant.

7 Photo by Andres Urena on Unsplash Big impressions count

Since launching as a In 2011 and 2013 the London corporate entertainment Eye played host to the famous venue in September Red Bull Music Academy events. Beamed across the globe on the 2000 with a Champagne internet, the event had famous gala event attended by musicians and DJs performing in then Prime Minister Tony each pod to an intimate audience. Blair, the London Eye’s Simultaneously, thousands of Corporate and Special guests enjoyed a silent disco in the shadow of the London Events department has Eye hosted by some of the garnered a reputation as a world’s most famous DJs. Guests dab hand at hosting high- described it as the best party ever. profile, high impact parties, During the London 2012 Olympic launches and ceremonies and Paralympic Games, the – anything is possible! London Eye played an integral Many customers and clients part in the run up and duration choose to hire the entire London of the games. We hosted Eye, but if you want to hire hundreds of media and sponsors just one pod we can help too. from across the globe, had the With a range of products from Olympic Torch on top of one of wine and Champagne tasting our pods and even featured in pods to seasonal treats such as both the opening and closing winter cocktails and Christmas ceremony, highlighting the canapés, there’s something London Eye’s place amongst special all year round. the capital’s historic treasures. In May 2001 we hosted our first- We frequently light up for special ever wedding with the happy occasions from the birth of a couple saying ‘Eye do’ live in front Royal baby to celebrating Pride of an audience of five million in London, and have turned the on GMTV, then Europe’s most- pods in to an Ultimate Snow watched breakfast show. We’ve Globe and a garden in the sky. been hosting happy couples ever since – an average of 60 per year.

8 The lastminute.com London Eye River Cruise

“The live commentary is superb and everyone who takes this river cruise will learn something new about one of the attractions they pass”.

Laura Porter, About.com

The circular cruise aboard the Silver Bonito, with both covered and sun deck seating, departs from the directly underneath the London Eye, goes as far as Tower Bridge and returns 40 minutes later. Cruising past the Houses of Parliament, St Paul’s Cathedral, the Tower of London, Shakespeare’s Globe as well as Westminster, Millennium and Tower Bridges. The lastminute.com London The Silver Bonito can carry up Eye also operates a unique to 250 passengers at any one award-winning 40 minute time and is one of the few fully sightseeing cruise on the accessible boats on the river, River Thames with live with full disabled access to both decks. Audio commentary is commentary that brings also available in French, German, the city to life, presented Spanish, Dutch, Italian, Russian, by expert guides. Japanese and Mandarin. 9 Photo by Arkadiusz Radek on Unsplash Filming and photography

Since opening, the Press Office has worked with countless location managers, film crews and photographers on projects ranging from fashion shoots and news items to TV adverts and international feature films. We value the exposure filming and photography gives the London Eye and London as a whole and encourage applications which reflect the London Eye’s status as a must do experience in the capital as well as a global icon. The London Eye has featured in international feature films such as Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Call a member of the Press Wimbledon, Thunderbirds and Office on 0203 8896766, email Paddington the Movie along with [email protected] or visit wellknown TV programmes such www.londoneye.com/filming for as The Simpsons, Doctor Who, application forms and full guidelines. Sherlock and The Apprentice Follow us on Twitter, Facebook and to mention only a few. Instagram to keep up with our news. 10 A positive impact on the community

We are fully accessible Charitable donations We go above and beyond Because of our iconic status, industry standards to ensure we are proud to use the that we are fully accessible lastminute.com London Eye to to all. Features include: help charities, big and small. — Entrances that feature As part of the London Eye’s widened access and ramps ongoing commitment to the local for wheelchair users area, 1% of revenue is donated back into the community, — Voice and visual alarms part of the London Eye’s — Slowed-down boarding for original planning permission, guests with limited mobility known as ‘Section 106.’ — Knowledgeable members We also help charitable of staff who are always organisations to promote national on hand to assist campaigns by hosting photo calls and launch events. The constantly — T-loop systems in our expanding list of charities we have ticket office and on the worked with includes Help for London Eye River Cruise Heroes, ITV’s Text Santa, Royal — All disabled guests can bring British Legion and Sport Relief. a carer free of charge For charity requests please A local business email [email protected] What matters to London All of the London Eye’s matters to us and this is why fundraising activity is directed we proactively contribute to towards the Merlin Entertainments the issues and causes that charity Merlin’s Magic Wand, who are important to us and our provide magical experiences community. The opening of to children who are seriously the lastminute.com London ill, disabled or disadvantaged Eye, together with other and who might not otherwise organisations, played a vital be able to visit one of our many part in the regeneration and attractions around the world. continuous enhancement of the For more info visit South Bank, which now welcomes www.merlinsmagicwand.org 28 million visitors a year.

11 Fireworks

FOR OVER 15 YEARS, the London Eye has been the focal point of the Mayor of London’s famous New Year’s Eve firework celebrations which sees hundreds of thousands of people congregate 12 in the heart of London each year. 4D Cinema Experience

In August 2009 the London Eye introduced a revolutionary 4D film that The film brings together a brings a new dimension number of 3D filming styles: to the visitor experience, aerials, time lapse, live action providing a completely as well as sophisticated visual new vision of the city that effects. Capitalising on the is both emotional and latest cutting edge technology, 4D adds a new dimension to entertaining – the perfect traditional 3D technology; using prelude to an experience sensory effects such as wind, on the iconic London Eye. snow and even smell to bring to life the images on screen. The film focuses on the journey of a little girl and her father The bespoke 4D film which is in London in which they visit almost four minutes in length the London Eye and find a was developed especially for spectacular new perspective the London Eye at the award of the capital. Their experience winning Pinewood Shepperton is brought to life with colourful studios, and was produced by parties inside the London Eye Centre Screen Productions Ltd in pods, breathtaking firework association with PLF/Pablo Post. displays, which gain an extra The team of industry acclaimed dimension with advanced sensory award winning talent who have effects, making the watcher worked on the 4D film have feel immersed in the action. also worked on projects such The London Eye 4D Experience is as the IMAX film ‘Bugs!’, other the first live action, 4D attraction 3D cinema projects and various film ever produced in the UK and attractions with clients ranging contains the first ever 3D aerial from English Heritage to the 13 photography over London. Hong Kong Government. Merlin Entertainments

The lastminute.com London Eye is operated by Merlin Entertainments Ltd, the leading Among Merlin’s attractions are name in location-based, family – London Aquarium, entertainment. Europe’s number , , one and the world’s second- The London Eye, Dungeons, largest visitor attraction operator, , LEGOLAND Discovery Merlin currently operates over Centres, Resort, 130 attractions, 20 hotels, and six , holiday villages in 25 countries Resort, , and across four continents. Resort, Zoo, The company aims to deliver Eye and SKYWALK. memorable and rewarding All brands which are distinctive, experiences to its almost 67 challenging and innovative – and million visitors worldwide, through which have great potential for its iconic global and local brands, growth in the future. and the commitment and passion of its managers and 28,000 Visit www.merlinentertainments.biz employees. for more information.

14 Photo by Jean Carlo-Emer on Unsplash General information

To view the latest news and press releases on London Eye activity and events, visit For general information www.londoneye.com/news about the London Eye and for discount on bookings, The postal address for visit www.londoneye.com the London Eye is: Events and special occasions The London Eye, For events and special Riverside Building, occasions including County Hall, corporate entertainment, Westminster Bridge Road, hospitality and weddings, London SE1 7PB. call 0207 4870224 or email Other useful information [email protected] The London Eye is open all year Customer services round, except for Christmas For customer services email Day (25 December) and for two customer.services@ weeks in January, when annual londoneye.com maintenance takes place. Press enquires The London Eye ticket Including photography, office is open from 9:30am filming and media visits daily – alternatively save call 0203 8896766 or email money and time by booking 15 [email protected] tickets online in advance.