Glide into the new decade as Ice Cube turns 20

The city will once again be getting its skates on when Leeds’s coolest wintertime attraction returns to Millennium Square this Friday (January 31) to celebrate its 20^th anniversary.

Open until Sunday, February 23, Ice Cube will once again give visitors a chance to whizz around the ice under a specially covered outdoor real ice rink complete with a transparent marquee style roof.

The attraction’s penguin club on Saturday and Sunday mornings will mean children can take their first steps on to the ice in a fun and safe environment with the assistance of the popular penguin skating aids.

A limited number of one-to-one skating lessons with a qualified coach will also be available every weekend morning for those willing to brush up on their skating skills and a dedicated accessible session will once again take place every Thursday morning at 10am for wheelchair users and other disabled persons.

In addition to the ice rink, the Ice Cube will host a wide range of winter-themed family rides and attractions including the Radio Aire Ice Slide, North Pole Star Flyer, the adrenaline-fuelled Ice Jet and many more.

Plus, a range of hot and cold drinks, winter warmers and tasty treats will be readily available for all visitors from the Skate Escape Café.

Councillor Judith Blake, leader of Leeds City Council, said:

“The return of Ice Cube is always one of the highlights of our events calendar and this will be the 20^th year in a row that Millennium Square will be giving thousands of people and families the chance to enjoy skating at the heart of the city centre and get active after enjoying their Christmas and New Year celebrations.

“We’re very fortunate to have such a unique space where we can host a varied programme of events which bring people together year after year.”

Event media partner Radio Aire will be providing the official soundtrack to this year’s event and will be on hand every Saturday afternoon with competitions, random acts of kindness and a free glitter station.

Radio Aire Breakfast presenter Ant Arthur says ‘Ice Cube is the highlight of the city in February, we are so proud to be the official media partner for another year. We have loads of chances to win ice skating passes, full information will be released on the show week days Monday to Friday from 7am. We have a very special Valentine’s Day event planned, you can apply online to join the party hosted by us!’

Admission tickets for all public ice skating sessions are on sale now and are priced at (including booking fees) £9 adults, £7.50 for LEEDSCard and LEEDSCard Extra holders and £7 for children under 13 and BreezeCard holders.

Tickets are available to purchase online at www.millsqleeds.com/icecube, by telephone on 0113 376 0318 or in person from either the City Centre Box Office in Leeds Town Hall or from the on-site event ticket office from 31 January.

Full booking details including prices, session times and further information can be found at: www.millsqleeds.com/icecube

For further information, images and media requests contact:

Stuart Robinson, Communications Officer

Direct Line: 0113 224 3937

Email: Stuart.Robinson@leeds.gov.uk

Notes to editor:

• Public ice skating sessions are available every day from 12pm until 9pm Monday to Friday, 10am until 9pm on Saturday and school holidays and 10am until 7pm on Sundays.
• All skating sessions at Ice Cube are based upon 45 minutes skating with each session starting on the hour.