Sunderland residents are urged to get their skates on as a festive attraction returns later this month (November).
The popular Christmas ice rink, organised by Sunderland Business Improvement District, will once again be part of the festivities at Keel Square when it opens on Thursday 29 November.
And those heading to the rink will also be able to visit new addition, Hadrian’s Tipi, which has made its home at Keel Square over the festive period offering a range of street food, drinks and entertainment.
The ice rink is also in the perfect position for visitors to make a day or night out of their visit and go on to explore the whole of the city centre over the Christmas period, with a wide array of restaurants and bars to choose from.
Sharon Appleby, Head of Business Operations at Sunderland BID, is delighted the ice rink is returning to the city.
“The Christmas ice rink always proves to be very popular and it’s a great activity for the whole family to take part in to get in the festive spirit,” she said
“Keel Square is set to be a hub of Christmas cheer and the ice rink is a fantastic treat to add in to a shopping trip, visit to Santa at the Bridges or for those heading to the pantomime.
“We’re hoping that all the activities will encourage both local people and those from further afield to come into Sunderland and discover what it has to offer.”
Skaters of all ages and abilities are welcome at the open air rink, with polar bear skating aids available to hire for £3 each for those less confident on the ice.
The ice rink will be open for public skating from 12pm – 9pm Monday to Friday and 10am – 9pm on weekends up until Friday 21 December, when it will then be open 10am –9pm every day until Sunday 6 January.
The exceptions to this are Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve when the rink will close at 6pm, with skaters advised to pre-book sessions on these dates to avoid disappointment, and Christmas Day and New Year’s Day when it will close completely.
Tickets cost £3 for children under 4, £7 for children aged 5-12, £7.50 for 13 – 17 year olds and £8.50 for over 18s, with family tickets available for £25.
Sessions can be booked in advance online and the rink can also be booked for exclusive use between 10am – 12pm Monday to Friday up until Friday 21 December.
To book a session online, visit https://www.sunderlandbid.co.uk/christmas-2018/ice-rink or more information on group bookings, email christmas@sunderlandbid.co.uk or call 07749 454994.