Landmark Ferris wheel returns to Cork city with family fun events also planned 

Cork city's streetscape sees the festive return of the landmark 30ft Ferris wheel which will be open every day from tomorrow until early January.

The iconic wheel and carousel on Grand Parade will be open from noon until 9pm.

This weekend also sees the commencement of entertainment at Solas, the pop-up light and sound experience in the plaza at Emmet Place.

Live music will begin tomorrow evening at Emmet Place from 6pm with The Songstress Quartet who will perform a selection of well-known classic pop, soul and jazz hits across all genres with a swingy Christmas twist.

The entertainment continues on Saturday evening as Violini, a violin duo from Cork, perform a selection of contemporary and vintage pop and rock, jazz, swing, Irish and classical favourites from 5pm to 7pm followed by music from globe-trotting DJ Kelsey.

On Sunday, the day will start with a bang at 4pm as renowned DJ Will Softly brings a kids disco to the plaza. 

According to organisers, DJ Softly will play all the party and Christmas classics, with dance competitions and plenty of family fun at the event that is described as "suitable for ages one to 101".

Stilt walkers will also run amok through Emmet Place raising smiles and bringing festive cheer to Christmas shoppers from 4pm to 7pm on Saturday and Sunday.

The weekend will come to a close with an operatic showcase concert from 5pm to 7pm.

Jean Elliot, Dan Twomey, Kenneth Speight and Julie O Neill Nicholson will present a two-hour concert of operatic solos, duets and medleys for the whole family to enjoy and sing along to while the lights of the Solas installation glow and sparkle in time overhead. 

No booking is required for Solas. 

Solas and the Ferris wheel are the centrepiece of Cork City Council’s ‘Corkmas’ festive campaign aimed at growing the number of people who avail of its retail, hospitality and cultural offering by ultimately making the city a destination at Christmas. 

Corkmas is about supporting local and celebrating, discovering and re-discovering the many experiences, and traditions, new and old, that make Christmas time in Cork so unique.

Booking for the Ferris wheel is advised. See www.corkmas.ie for tickets.