Enjoy Ice Skating at Festive Derby whatever the weather

Published: 19 August 2022

Back by popular demand, an Ice Rink will be returning to Derby Market Place from Monday 5 December but in a change to previous years, this ice rink will be covered so families can get their skates on, whatever the weather!

Between Monday 5 December and Saturday 31 December Derby Market Place will welcome a covered Ice Rink to sit alongside the performance venue. This will allow for an all-round festive experience for visitors who can do their festive shopping and grab lunch in Cathedral Quarter, after skating and seeing the show at the Market Place.

The rink will use 30,348 litres of water which will take three days to freeze after the installation using 3.7 miles of aluminium pipes underneath. Once the water has frozen, the ice will be 100mm thick; the perfect thickness for skating.

For spectators, and parents wanting to keep an eye on their little ones, there will be an internal walkway within the ice rink as well as glass windows located on two sides. By having a covered rink, we will use less energy to maintain the rink throughout the festive period making Festive Derby cleaner and greener for everyone. New for this year, there will be various themed sessions such as 80s, 90s, 00s, superhero, fancy dress, Christmas and a New Year’s Eve party. These are the perfect opportunity to dress up with friends, family or colleagues and fully embrace the festive spirit. This will be aided by the festive twinkling lights that will be installed around the rink.

Whether you’re a pro or want to try ice skating for the first time, our ice rink is a great option. We have a limited amount of free skate aids for those who need them, they will be available on a first come first served basis. They can be used by anyone whilst on the rink.

The Ice Rink will be part of this year’s Festive Derby, sponsored by Smooth Radio, with other sponsorship opportunities now available. Festive Derby 2022 will also see our pantomime Aladdin take to the Derby Arena stage. Elsewhere, the Babbling Vagabonds’ The Christmas Toy Shop Mystery will provide family friendly fun at the Market Place venue, Family Festivities will be hosted at Markeaton Park and we will welcome the festive period with the Christmas Lights Switch-On. During the Festive Derby season there will also be various other festive activities, events, markets, trails and entertainment. Check our website and social media soon for more information.

Councillor Jonathan Smale, Cabinet Member for Finance, Digital and Culture said:

We’re delighted to bring back the Ice Rink as part of this year’s Festive Derby after the success and popularity of previous years. The rink will be a welcomed addition to the Cathedral Quarter, and we hope people will take the time to explore the array of shops and eateries in the surrounding area as well as watching the festive show. We can’t wait to see everyone take to the ice and embrace the festivities.

In previous years, our Ice Rink has seen over 17,000 visitors, and with this year expected to match those numbers we’re encouraging people to book in advance to avoid disappointment, especially on special dates such as Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve.

Tickets are on sale now, with standard tickets priced at £8.50 during peak sessions and £7 for off peak sessions. Under 16s tickets are £6.50 during peak sessions and £5 during off peak sessions. There are family and group discounts available, starting at groups of 4+, with larger discounts available for bigger group bookings. Toddlers can skate for free at our special Toddler sessions and only accompanying adults will need to pay. Tickets can be purchased on the Derby LIVE website, at the Sales and Information Centre Riverside Chambers, Full Street, Derby, DE1 3AF, or by calling 01332 255 800.

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