Adrenaline junkies will get the opportunity to see Gloucester city centre in a whole new light by riding an 1100-foot zipwire this weekend.

The zipwire, which will run from St John’s Church on Northgate Street to the Tourist Information Centre, is part of Gloucester Business Improvement District’s campaign to support business in the city centre. It is estimated that riders will reach speeds of about 40 mph, soaring above the roof tops at heights of over 100 feet above the ground.

Gloucester will be only the third city in the UK – after London and Liverpool – to host a zipwire, and Nick Brooks, Chairman of Gloucester BID, says the attraction will undoubtably have a positive effect on visitor numbers to the city. He said: “When we surveyed businesses in the BID area, one of the important things they wanted more of was events that would deliver visitors to Gloucester and would raise the profile of the city. Undoubtedly this giant zip wire is going to do both these things and will prove to be a really fantastic attraction for visitors and locals.”

Jason Smith, CEO of Marketing Gloucester, which is supporting the BID with the organisation of the event, commented: “Increasingly towns and cities are having to go the extra mile to give shoppers and visitors a reason to visit. Gloucester is being looked at nationally and regionally as a beacon of good practice in this regard and this giant zip wire is definitely showing that our small city can lead the way in generating an exciting city centre experience and give a boost to our local daytime and evening economy.”

The zipwire is open to anyone brave enough to ride the attraction, with the cost being £29.95. There is no age restriction but the minimum weight of any person taking part is 30kgs, the maximum weight is 100kgs, just under 16 stone.