Ice Factor back for third year
By Mike Laycock
25th October 2007
GET your skates on - York's open-air ice rink is to return for a third time to the city centre.
And organisers of The Ice Factor are hoping to break last year's record number of visitors, with ticket sales so far beating the figure for this time last year.
"Having topped over 45,000 last year, we can only keep aiming higher," said executive producer Maria Farrugia.
She said The Ice Factor would open on November 17 at its usual location around an illuminated oak tree in the Eye of York, near Clifford's Tower.
Workmen will move on to the site on Bonfire Night to start constructing the rink infrastructure, with work on creating the ice due to start on November 10.
Maria said schools were making the most of discounted prices and an offer of free coaching and dedicated time on the ice rink, with bookings starting to come in thick and fast.
"We are again offering a range of group options which are ideal for giving your pupils a magical and memorable experience over the Christmas period," she said.
"We have three options to choose from, including our party package which includes skate tickets, ice skates, optional skate helmet and a chance to warm up in our glass-fronted Ice Café with a steaming cup of hot chocolate and a yummy Christmas cookie!
"It really makes a big impact on children as a high point of the winter season, regardless of their age."
Diana Gant, headmistress at The Mount School, York, said "For our girls, it is a great start to the Christmas season.
"Everyone encourages each other to gain confidence on the ice and soon all the girls are enjoying exercise and feeling festive."
Maria said other York visitor attractions would be working alongside The Ice Factor this year, including the National Railway Museum and Jorvik Viking Centre, which she said proved that the event was now firmly part of the community.
The Ice Factor will be open from 10am to 10pm daily, except Christmas day, until Sunday January 6.
Tickets cost £7.95 for adults, and £6.95 for children (12 and under) and can be bought on site, through Ticketweb online at www.ticketweb.co.uk or by phoning Ticketweb on 0844 847 1523.
School groups or other parties must be booked in advance through The Ice Factor office, phone 01653 619169.
