Press Office
Your pod on mine
Love is all around for the launch of the Norwich Union Yorkshire Wheel as York’s hottest new venue for romance!
And the campaign will kick off in spectacular style on Valentine’s Day, 14 February, with a unique airborne speed dating event - believed to be the world’s first such event held on an observation wheel.
Dozens of romantic singles will each soar sixty metres above the York skyline, with couples allowed just one rotation - about four minutes - to get to know each other. Back at ground level, the gents will then switch to the next pod, working their way around the Wheel until every couple has been taken for a spin.
After each brief encounter, participants make notes on a dating card known as a ‘speeding ticket’, recording whether they would be interested in meeting the other person again. Responses are subsequently collated electronically, and contact details are sent as text messages to any mutual matches.
The Norwich Union Yorkshire Wheel is already a top choice for romantic couples, having hosted proposals, wedding parties and even a full marriage ceremony since its opening in April 2006 - with a spectacular view of the Yorkshire skyline providing the perfect backdrop for exchanging vows.
And the Wheel’s unique VIP pod will be available to book throughout the day, with champagne provided for lovestruck couples’ celebrations.
Judith Whitaker, Head of Commercial Development at the Museum, said:
“The Wheel is a perfect venue for romantics. Its great views over York provide the ideal setting for proposing, getting married or celebrating an anniversary.
“There’s also the VIP pod, with its luxurious leather armchairs, DVD player and champagne on request. All in all, the Wheel has enormous potential and I can’t wait to see speed dating in action!”
January 2007