Get your skates on as Ice Cube returns to Millennium Square

Ice skaters of all ages can sharpen up their skills in the New Year when the hugely popular Ice Cube returns to Millennium Square.

Organised by Leeds City Council with support from media partners Capital FM and now in its 16^th year, the Ice Cube will be open from Friday, January 22 until Sunday, February 21 2016.

The attraction will include a real outdoor ice rink and adjoining nursery rink, surrounded by family rides.

Tickets for all public ice skating sessions are now available to book in advance either online at www.leeds.gov.uk/icecube or by calling the booking line on 0843 208 1841.

Tickets are priced at £8.50 adults, £6.50 children (12yrs and under) with discounts available for LEEDSCard or BreezeCard holders. Booking fees may apply.

Alongside general public ice skating there will also be an opportunity for people of all ages and abilities to hone their skating skills under the watchful gaze of expert coaches.

A four-week National Ice Skating Association (NISA) tuition programme for skating enthusiasts of all levels will be held on a Saturday and Sunday morning by Skate UK qualified skating professionals.

Priced at £72 per person places are now available to book by calling the City Centre Box Office in the Carriageworks Theatre on 0113 224 3801. Booking fees may apply.

A limited number of weekend individual lessons will also be available to book on a first come first served basis.

A special ‘first steps to skating’ tuition programme for Leeds schools children will also be available during term time for schools to book and a weekly dedicated accessible session every Thursday morning between 9.15am to 10.15am is available for wheelchair users and the disabled.

Councillor Judith Blake, leader of Leeds City Council said: “Ice Cube is one of our most popular events and a chance to try something unique and different right at the heart of the city centre.

“It’s always great to see people enjoying themselves out on the square and we’re very fortunate to have a space where we can host such a varied programme of innovative and exciting events.”

Visitors to the Ice Cube will also be able to enjoy other winter-themed attractions including regular favourites; Capital FM Snowslide, the North Pole Starflyer, Glacier Run Simulator plus the new Ice Palace 3D Experience along with various other icy themed rides for children of all ages.

Tasty treats and hot and cold snacks will also be available for all visitors in the Dolomites Café.

For full skating details including prices and skating session times together with further information for all other attractions visit  www.leeds.gov.uk/icecube

Ice Cube is part of the city's Magical Leeds campaign, which features a number of special events and activities including the annual Christkindelmarkt on Millennium Square, and is part of a wider three-year strategy to raise the profile of the city, increase visitor numbers and encourage overnight stays over the festive period.

To find out more about Magical Leeds, please see whatson.leeds.gov.uk

ENDS

For media enquiries, please contact:

Stuart Robinson

Communications Officer

Leeds City Council

Tel: 0113 224 3937

Email: stuart.robinson@leeds.gov.uk

www.leeds.gov.uk