We may only just be embarking on spring, but plans for the 2023 Festive Derby celebrations are well underway. Derby City Council and the Cathedral Quarter Business Improvement District (BID) are delighted to announce that the city’s popular ice rink will return this Christmas – and tickets are on sale now.
The undercover ice rink was a popular destination for all ages during the 2022 festive season, with 12,600 people donning their skates, around half of them children. The Cathedral Quarter Ice Rink will be back on the Market Place from 2 December until New Year’s Eve.
A spin around the glittering ice followed by a hot chocolate or a warming mulled wine will be just the ticket to get city centre visitors into the festive spirit. Spectators can join in the fun by relaxing on the viewing platform, enjoying the twinkling lights and listening to the festive playlist from our media partner Smooth Radio.
For the ultimate ice-skating experience, come along for one of our party nights. Our media sponsors Smooth Radio will host their own very special Smooth Radio Night on Friday 9 December, with a live DJ and presenter.
The Christmas Party Night session will run throughout Saturday 23 December with some of the best festive tunes just in time for Christmas Eve – and Santa will be making his last public appearance before his busiest night of the year.
Prices for a one-hour skating slot will include skate hire. For those feeling a bit wobbly on the ice, there will be free sit-on skate aids available for the first time this year in addition to standing aids.
Derby LIVE manager Robbie Kerr said:
We are thrilled to announce that the Cathedral Quarter Ice Rink will be back in Derby this Christmas. It has proved to be a very popular addition to our Festive Derby programme in recent years and we’re excited to offer another exciting festive experience for 2023.
Brad Worley, Manager for Cathedral Quarter BID, said:
We are delighted to be sponsoring the Cathedral Quarter Ice Rink once again, in partnership with Derby City Council.
This wonderful experience is rapidly becoming a firm favourite with visitors to the City Centre, and the Cathedral Quarter BID are looking forward to welcoming them again this year to the Market Place.
Also returning to the Festive Derby programme are the team behind Derby Arena’s smash hit pantomimes. The action-packed adventure Mother Goose is guaranteed to have the whole family honking with laughter. It will run from 8 to 31 December.
Those mischievous and marvellous Babbling Vagabonds’ will be back for the festive season with their family show Naughty Meg and the Christmas Elves, this year at the iconic setting of The Old Central Library on The Wardwick. Tickets for both shows are available now.
Tickets for the ice rink are on sale now, with standard tickets priced at £10 during peak sessions and £8.50 for off-peak sessions. Under 16s tickets are £7.50 during peak sessions and £6 during off-peak sessions.
There are family and group discounts available, starting at groups of 4+, with larger discounts available for bigger group bookings.
This year, a special deal has been introduced for school groups, with an eleventh child going free with every 10 tickets booked. 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 Sales & Information Centre, Guildhall Theatre, Market Place, Derby, DE1 3AE or call 01332 255800