LATE night shoppers put their bargain hunting plans on ice last night (November 24) as Sunderland’s Frost Village opened its doors.
The first skaters got the chance to take to the ice of the city’s open air ice rink, following in the footsteps of a team of expert skaters who officially launched this year’s attraction.
Ella George, star of CBBC TV show Ice Stars, was joined by professional ice dancer Callum Leach of Whitley Bay, along with young local skaters to perform dazzling displays before the public took to the ice themselves.
The ice rink and Frost Village, in the city centre’s Keel Square, will be open daily until Christmas Eve and also feature winter markets, outdoor screenings of classic films as well as a Merry Monk Bar which will be selling hot Gluhwein for the adults.
Ken Dunbar, Chief Executive of Sunderland BID, described last night’s launch as a big success.
“We have been very excited ahead of the opening of our Frost Village and ice rink, and it was fantastic to see so many people come along to watch our Ice Gala Extravaganza and sample our festive village for themselves,” he said.
“We are really looking forward to welcoming visitors new and old to the city to enjoy our festive celebrations and have a go on the ice themselves, watch a film, do some shopping or even just enjoy a glass of mulled wine in the Merry Monk Bar.”
The ice rink will open to the public Monday to Friday from noon to 9pm and on Saturday and Sunday from 10am-9pm. Last admission will be 8.20pm.
On Christmas Eve it will be open from 10am-6pm, but pre-booking is advised to avoid disappointment.
Prices start at £6.50 for children aged 12 and under, £7.50 for adults and over 12s, and family tickets are available for £25.
For further information or to book call 0191 385 6619, email christmas@bidsunderland.co.uk or visit the website www.sunderlandchristmas.co.uk.