London Eye set to celebrate Samuel Pepys, David Bowie and other city greats

The London Eye, which was erected 15 years ago, is to celebrate some of the men and women who have made the capital great.

The Eye will be set to a special slow rotation for the event on May 1 when each of its 32 capsules will host talks by speakers including historian Dan Cruickshank, gangster Ronnie Kray’s widow Kate and film-makers Don Letts and Julien Temple.

Ticket-holders can choose whether they want to hear about David Bowie, the dandy Beau Brummell, Bobby Moore or politician Herbert Morrison as brought to life by former mayor Ken Livingstone. Biographer Claire Tomalin will talk about Samuel Pepys and cartoonist Martin Rowson tackles William Hogarth.

Hendrick’s Gin has devised 32 cocktails for guests. Information and tickets, priced £35, at 32londoners.com