Dudley Council is installing a children’s big wheel in Dudley town centre this Saturday (December 5), as part of the Small Business Saturday Market.

Located in the new events square, by the fountain, Dudley’s first big wheel will provide children with fantastic views of the town. The 16-metre attraction will be free to ride and adults can accompany their children.

A free carousel will also be located in the events square.

But don’t forget to pick up a unique Christmas gift while you’re there, as in addition to existing market sellers, one-off stalls, run by local small businesses, will sell a variety of festive goodies and delicious treats.

The Christmas market will run from 8am-4pm within the recently completed Dudley Market. It is being organised in conjunction with Dudley Markets and with support from the Federation of Small Businesses. 

This initiative is part of Dudley Council’s commitment to the national Small Business Saturday campaign to support and promote small businesses.  It will mark the end of Dudley’s Small Business Week, which has seen the council running free business clinics throughout the borough. 

Councillor Khurshid Ahmed, cabinet member for planning and economic development, said:

“With the event just around the corner I am excited to see the finished project.  Dudley is a thriving market town with a strong tradition of market shopping so I hope to see lots of people coming along to join in the Christmas spirit and supporting our local businesses. There will also be a chance for children to ride the big wheel and explore the views of Dudley.

“We run a community council and this market fits perfectly with our agenda to support local initiatives and enterprises to help Dudley to thrive.”

The market is one of a number of initiatives at Dudley Council to foster local business growth, under the umbrella of Dudley Business First, which is run by the authority. A single point of contact for businesses and investors, it offers free and tailored services to help local businesses. 

Small business owners, or would-be entrepreneurs can still get advice from the council’s remaining free Small Business Saturday drop-in business clinics.  Events will occur on:

- Wednesday 2 December, 10am – 12pm, in Stourbridge Library
- Wednesday 2 December, 2pm – 4pm, in Halesowen Library 
- Friday 4 December, 10am – 2pm, in Dudley Library.

For more details on the council’s Small Business Saturday campaign, go to www.dudleybusinessfirst.org.uk/business-support/sbs