'Disappointment' as Torbay's big wheel cancelled

A big wheel tourist attraction which has featured on a seafront for more than a decade will not be returning for 2026, a council has confirmed.

Torbay Council said The Mellors Group, operators of the 45m (150ft) wheel, have "taken the decision not to return".

It said council officers had "worked closely with the company" but after "much discussion" they had taken the "difficult decision not to come this year".

Councillor Jackie Thomas, tourism cabinet member said the authority was "disappointed" by the decision.

The wheel had become a "much-loved attraction", she added, and said it would be missed by "residents and visitors".

Meanwhile, Teignmouth has just welcomed its own 118ft (36m) wheel to the town, where it is due to remain for a month.

Thomas added: "We worked closely with the company exploring practical options to find a solution that would work for them, but despite our best efforts they have decided not to return this year.

"We will continue to work with Mellors to support their return."

Thomas said Torbay still had a "strong mix" of attractions and events for 2026, while Torbay Council "remains committed "to supporting its tourism industry.

Citing the English Riviera Airshow in May as an example, she said the ambition was to make Torbay "one of the UK's leading coastal destinations" while the council remains "open to working with operators and partners on future opportunities".

The big wheel hit a rocky patch in 2024, when a planning row put it under threat.

Planning officers at Torbay Council advised members of the planning committee to reject an application from operator Mellors.

Committee members went against the recommendation and voted unanimously to approve the application.

In April 2025, the tourist attraction was given planning permission for the next four years.

Again, the committee voted in favour of the plans despite objections from Torbay Heritage Trust and concern from Historic England.

The Mellors Group has been asked for comment.

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