Opening Night Plans for Cathedral Quarter 3aaa Ice Rink and Market Hall Winter Wonderland
The Cathedral Quarter 3aaa ice rink will officially open on Thursday December 1 with the magic from the nearby Market Hall’s Winter Wonderland, produced by Furthest From the Sea, adding extra festive flavour to the evening.
The launch event will begin with characters from the Market Hall Winter Wonderland taking to the ice between 4pm and 5pm whilst there will be musical entertainment under the Guildhall arches by Newhall Brass Band during the afternoon and early evening courtesy of the Cathedral Quarter Business Improvement District (BID).
The ice rink will be open to the public for the first time for the skating sessions at 7pm and 8pm; tickets will be available from the on-site box office but visitors are advised to book online in advance to avoid disappointment. Visitors will also be able to get a taste of the Winter Wonderland traditional entertainment and activities in the Market Hall between 6pm and 9pm. The provision of the ice rink has been made possible due to a unique sponsorship agreement between the Cathedral Quarter Business Improvement District (BID), Derby-based national training and apprenticeship provider 3aaa, Derby City Council, and ice rink providers Showplace.
The Cathedral Quarter 3aaa ice rink will welcome skaters every day (with the exception of Christmas Day and New Year’s Day) until Wednesday January 4. Sessions last 50 minutes and, although tickets can be bought on the day, organisers are recommending that they are pre-bought to avoid disappointment.
Tickets can be purchased in advance at http://www.cathedralquarter3aaaicerink.co.uk where there is also a full list of opening times and peak and off-peak prices. Additional information is also available via the Box Office on 01332 255800.
Concessions are available for students, under 16’s and over 60’s whilst family and group packages are also available. Access to the ice rink is also available for young children and wheelchair users.
The Winter Wonderland will feature in the Market Hall throughout December with a programme of traditional Christmas-themed activities, local music, variety and dance performances and interactive workshops for the whole family to enjoy.
Matt McGuinness from organisers Furthest from the sea stated: “The Market Hall provides a unique setting for what will be a magical festive celebration for everyone. There will be a Santa’s Grotto on key days as well as a roaming pantomime, ‘elfie selfie’ trail and Mrs Claus’ Post Office whilst Market Hall traders will also be joined by local handcraft makers offering a wide range of unusual gifts.”
Martin Langsdale, chair of the Cathedral Quarter Board and Management Group, which drives forward activities under the area's BID status, said: "We are delighted to be bringing together two of the key activities that the Cathedral Quarter BID has helped to make happen for the launch night on December 1. “Both the ice rink and the Market Hall’s Winter Wonderland will be popular amongst people of all ages and I hope will attract many more visitors into the Cathedral Quarter at this important time of the year for our local businesses.”
Peter Marples, Joint Owner of 3aaa Apprenticeships added “3aaa are proud to sponsor the ice rink for the following 3 years. We’re pleased to bring some festive fun to our home town and give the young people we work with the chance to develop a new skill – even if it is dancing around on ice!”