Ice-skating is cool again for Christmas.

Hull Journal, October 2006, by Tony Greenway

And, for that, you can thank - or blame - Dancing on Ice, ITV's vote 'em off reality show from earlier in the year which featured a bunch of wobbly celebs skating in front of a panel of judges. It was a huge ratings hit, notching up over 10million viewers per show, and ice-rinks up and down the country began feeling the benefit through increased admissions. It doesn't end there because the second series of Dancing on Ice starts in January.

Ice-skating hasn't seen this kind of resurgence since... well... since Torville and Dean danced to Bolero 22 years ago.

"Ice-skating is huge now," agrees Maria Farrugia, executive producer with North Yorkshire-based theatrical production company, Lunchbox, which has subsidiaries in Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong and Singapore. "Take London. A few years ago, there were roughly three outdoor ice rinks in the city. Now there are about 15. And councils up and down the country all want an outdoor Christmas rink, it seems. It's something different, something exciting. And, I think, yes, Dancing on Ice really kicked things off and sparked people's interest. There are now sell-out ice shows happening across the world." And Maria should know, because Lunchbox runs some of them.

In York this Christmas, the city's own chilly festive ice rink - called The Ice Factor - makes an appearance for the second time, and Maria is responsible for organising it. "Last year, when we took over the running of the rink, we had less than six weeks to sell tickets and market it... and we still had 35,000 people coming to skate," she reveals. "There was real party mood and a great seasonal feeling. This year, we've had a bigger run-up, and we're hoping for even more interest."

So roll up, roll up - and prepare to fall down. Set against the backdrop of Clifford's Tower in the centre of York, The Ice Factor is a 600sq metre ice rink centred around an illuminated oak tree. The whole scene looks ridiculously pretty. "We thought the oak tree was an awful thing to have to deal with initially," reveals Maria. "I mean, logistically, building an ice-rink around a tree is quite a challenge. But now we're glad it's there because people love it. It's a 'feature' and it gives the rink real atmosphere." The Ice Factor also features a viewing area, heated café and bar, and skate hire marquees, and there's a capacity for 180 people on the ice at any one time. It's a little bit New York Central Park; a little bit Rockefeller Centre.

That's not all. Lunchbox also owns an ice troupe called Imperial Ice Stars - a 25-strong team of Russian ice-dancers with 200 medals between them; and, at the time of writing, Maria hopes to get them to perform at The Ice Factor. It is also hoped that their biggest star, Olga Sharutenko - who appeared with John Barrowman in the Dancing on Ice series - will open the rink, as she did last Christmas.

"This year we've really upped the ante," says Maria. "The rink looks more designer, so it's a venue that will appeal to people who want to come and have lunch, even if they don't want to skate. The mums and the grans can sit and watch their children and have a cup of tea. We're also designing an ice bar too - made out of real ice!"

Maria is something of an ice expert, having worked with theatre companies who use ice and ice rinks in their stage productions. On tour, Lunchbox even travels with an 'ice doctor' and 'ice engineers', which is why the company became involved in running the York rink in the first place. "There's a real art to making ice!" Maria insists. "People think: 'What's the big deal? Ice is ice.' But it's absolutely NOT."

For instance, it's much simpler to make an ice rink indoors, ironically, because it's easier to control the temperature. Outside, mother nature tends to get in the way. "In warmer weather you have to keep the ice colder," says Maria, "but if it's snowing you have to make sure that the ice doesn't crack. Last year, it took us four days to build the rink whereas, when we work on rinks in the theatre, we have 24 hours and use crushed ice."

The Ice Factor will be in York for seven weeks (from 18 November - 7 January) and ice guides and qualified ice coaches will be on hand at all times. "We want to get more schools involved," says Maria. "So we'll be offering a 15-minute structured group lesson to ensure that children who have never been on the ice before will get the most out of their one-hour session with us.

"We can't provide one-on-one ice-skating lessons, unfortunately; but, that said, if you're struggling, our ice marshals will be there to help you or guide you on your way. And in the skate tent there's a video showing you how to set off if you're too embarrassed to ask for help!"

Not that being a lousy skater is an impediment to having a good time. "Last year people who were clinging onto the barrier for the whole hour still said they had fun," says Maria. "And we had children who had never skated before who, in five minutes, were bombing around as though they've always done it." The youngest child at the rink was three - but anyone from five upwards should be able to get their skates on... at least a little bit (children under 8 must be accompanied by an adult, however).

So if you're planning to visit York's Ice Factor, wear warm clothes. This may seem like fairly obvious advice, but you'd be surprised, says Maria. "Some people think they can wear little T-shirts and they'll be fine - but it is winter and we are outside! Also, wear gloves if you like because if you fall you know your hands will be protected... although the ice-skate blades aren't so sharp that you would cut yourself. But the main rule is no long scarves or billowing skirts."

Maria enjoys working on theatre productions but gets a real adrenaline buzz from the York rink. "Lunchbox is an international company based in Yorkshire," she says. "So it's nice to bring something to Yorkshire and do our bit for the community. This isn't about making a huge sum of money... because we don't. We're not subsidised. Effectively we do it for love. And, for me, it's great to be able to stroll into town on a Saturday when the rink is up and running, see everyone having a great time and think: 'I helped create that...'"

The Ice Factor, situated at the Eye of York, is open daily from 18th November 2006, 10am to 9:45pm until Sunday 7th January, but is closed on Christmas Day. Ticket prices and session times can be found on the website.

Booking is advisable, through TicketWeb on 0871 230 2637 or online at www.ticketweb.co.uk, though tickets can be purchased on site.

Discounts apply for groups of 20 or more and special party packages are available. Further details are available at www.theicefactor.co.uk or by calling 01653 619 650.