LIVERPOOL’S Christmas Ice Festival at the Pier Head will include the largest ice slide ever to be built in the city, a waterfront ice rink and an Icebar celebrating Liverpool.
Full details have been revealed for the festival, which this year moves to a new location in front of the Three Graces.
The centrepiece of the event will be an undercover 600sq metre ice rink with viewing platform, and a giant 45metre ice slide which will both be situated near to the cruise terminal.
An Ice Bar celebrating Liverpool and filled with hand-carved ice sculptures, will welcome drinkers until 10pm on weekdays and 11pm at weekends to chill out and enjoy cocktails in minus five degree temperatures, wearing foil ponchos provided to keep them warm.
When the festival launches to the public from November 12, the rink and slide will be open from 11am every day except Christmas Day. They will close at 9pm on weekdays, and 10pm at weekends.
Work is due to start on creating a magical ice spectacle on Sunday November 6, with construction beginning on site once the waterfront has hosted the River of Light Festival on Bonfire Night.
The festival’s new location has allowed it to include even more attractions than before so, not only will visitors be able to take to the ice and try out the rink, slide and bar, they’ll also be able to sample a variety of stalls selling street food and wintry treats. An Après Bar will serve up authentic food and drink, and of course there’ll be mulled wine to help keep out the cold and get everyone in the Christmassy spirit.
There will be a range of rides and games to keep children entertained including a Victorian helter skelter, Christmas snow globe, Santa’s Dumbo ride, Santa’s sleigh, Santa’s toy ride and Rescue Rudolph and snowman games. And for those who’ve loved getting a helping hand from the penguins on the ice rink, they can have more fast-paced fun with the chilly friends on the Penguin Party dodgem car ride. Kids won’t be having all the fun, with new rides for grown-ups revealed this year.
Liverpool’s Christmas Ice Festival is part of the One Magical City campaign linking attractions across the city over the festive season. It will run at the Pier Head from November 11 until January 3, closed only on Christmas Day.
Advanced tickets, which are 10% off the regular price and will guarantee day and time slots for skating and sliding, can be booked by visiting www.icefestivalliverpool.co.uk.
