Ice rink and inflatable pop-up bar coming to city centre this Christmas
Skaters in Leeds will take to the ice this Christmas when Millennium Square hosts the city’s coolest attraction over the festive season.
For the first time, the popular Ice Cube will be on the square in the lead up to Christmas along with a programme of seasonal family fun and a giant inflatable pop-up bar.
Launching on November 26, the specially-created 400 sq m outdoor real ice rink will be open for public skating every day from 12pm until 9pm, Monday to Friday, 11am until 9pm on Saturday and school holidays and 11am until 7pm on Sundays.
Alongside the skating rink, the new Spirt of Christmas Igloo Bar will see a spectacular inflatable igloo structure on the square boasting a winter garden-themed interior décor, staff in ice-themed costumes, live music and entertainment, and a large festive drinks menu.
Working with Leeds-based company, Igloo Disco, this offering will be open every day from noon to 9.30 pm and free to enter subject to capacity on a first-come first-served basis.
James Mallinder, artist, founder and managing director of Igloo Disco said: “After working with many blue-chip companies and providing inflatable structures all over the UK, I am so excited to be able to create something beautiful for my much-loved home city of Leeds.
“Our new bar installation is fully immersive, totally bespoke and I hope it gives everyone who visits a whole load of festive joy, especially after last year’s lockdown Christmas.”
Keeping with the traditional Christmas theme, a selection of local and international street food and drink will be available from Alpine inspired chalet style huts including bratwurst sausages, glühwein and bier, Yorkshire pudding wraps, Canadian style poutine, pizza & garlic bread, churros, waffles, coffee and hot chocolate.
Roger Tuby, of International Funfairs, said: “After working with Leeds City Council for many years, we are really excited to be able to help bring back a bit of the traditional Christmas look and feel to Leeds.
“With a variety of alpine style cabins serving tasty hot food and drink, a brand-new stall from Germany featuring a 35ft high Christmas tree on the roof, and a selection of themed attractions, rides and games, there really is something for all the family to enjoy this Christmas in Leeds.”
Councillor Jonathan Pryor, deputy leader of Leeds City Council and executive member economy, culture and education, said: “The Ice Cube is always one of the highlights of our events calendar, so to see the ice rink on Millennium Square over Christmas for the first time ever will mean 2021 will be the extra special festive season the city deserves after such an extraordinarily hard year.
“Christmas was so difficult for many of us last year, so our events team and our partners have really pulled out all the stops to make this year one to remember.”
Ice Rink admission tickets for all public ice-skating sessions go on sale from Friday November 12. Tickets are available to purchase in advance either online at www.millsqleeds.com/christmas or by calling 0113 376 0318.
On the day tickets (subject to availability) will be available in person from the event ticket office located at the Carriageworks Theatre directly overlooking the venue.
