York Press Article | 20 November 2007

Busiest opening yet for York's Ice Factor rink

THE Ice Factor proved it remains a red hot winter attraction, as crowds flocked to get their skates on in the centre of York. It was the rink's busiest opening yet, as visitors took to the ice in the shadow of Clifford's Tower, lit by the illuminated central oak tree. Following two hugely successful seasons, when more than 90,000 people enjoyed The Ice Factor, organisers anticipate even more over this Christmas period.

The outdoor ice rink kicked off its third successive year in the city with a grand opening party on Friday. The preview night inspired York's would-be skaters, with performances from professional Russian skaters Natalia Pestova and Alexei Kislitsyn, and world-renowned skating troupe The Imperial Ice Stars.

The Lord Mayor of York, Coun Irene Waudby, also attended the opening night, and took a turn on the ice with other local dignitaries, sponsors of The Ice Factor and VIPs. Public skating started on Saturday, when The Ice Factor once again proved its popularity by attracting a large crowd.

Maria Farrugia, the attraction's executive producer, said: "We were absolutely delighted by the turnout on Saturday. "It was much busier than we anticipated, and far busier than the opening weekend last year. "To see so many people having a laugh on the ice and enjoying the crisp autumn weather with friends and family was just great - that's what The Ice Factor is all about."

For the less confident skaters, "ice marshals" were on hand at all times to give tips to people going on to the ice for the first time, tempt beginners off the handrail, or help those who want to improve their technique. For the first time this year, The Ice Factor is offsetting its carbon emissions with green project, by joining the Carbon Neutral Company. It is also pursuing other policies, such as keeping its electricity use as low as possible, and even recycling water from the rink, to ensure it is as environmentally-conscious as possible.

James Cundall, producer of The Ice Factor, said: "We believe we're the first temporary ice rink in the country to offset our carbon emissions." The Ice Factor featured in The Sun and The Guardian's Top Ten ice rinks last year, and boasts free skate hire and a heated bar and café.

Sponsored by Fenwick, The Ice Factor is 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.

[Visit York Press]

Itchy York article: It's a winter wonderland

Ice Factor is back for its third succesive season

If you like wet bums and cold air then you can jump for joy, because Ice Factor is back for yet another Christmas season. From 17th November till 6th January, you can strut your stuff on the 600m outdoor rink, made of real ice. If you're not the skating type, you can always relax at the Ice Bar & Café.

No need to worry about amateurs ramming into you at full speed though. They've got a glass wall between the rink and the cafe keeping you nice and safe.

You can buy tickets at the rink, but if you want a guaranteed spot on the ice among hundreds of other eager skaters, you should visit the Ice Factor website. Tickets are also available by calling 0844 847 1523 or at www.ticketweb.co.uk.

[Visit Itchy York]

ICE FACTOR RECOMMENDED BY ELLE MAGAZINE

Elle's wonderland | Things to do: Skating

Nothing feels like Christmas quite like ice-skating, and this year there are outdoor ice rinks springing up all across the country. Head to one of our favourites for a hot (well cold but you know what we mean) date, or a girls night out - just make sure you nook in advance to avoid disappointment.

ICE FACTOR BACK FOR THIRD YEAR

6th August 2007

YORK'S popular open-air ice rink is to return to the city next Christmas for its third successive season.

Organisers say the rink will once again be installed around the illuminated oak tree in front of Clifford's Tower, the Law Courts and Castle Museum - one of the most spectacular settings in the country for an open-air rink.

Spokeswoman Maria Farrugia said the rink attracted almost 45,000 skaters last Christmas, about 10,000 more than the year before. "Thousands more came just to watch the fun or enjoy the stylish Ice Bar and Café," she said.

"The Ice Factor, which featured in the top ten list of festive ice rinks by The Guardian and The Sun, has rapidly become a Christmas fixture for York residents and visitors.

"This winter, it looks set to be the talked about event of the festive period once again, whether for office parties, birthday parties, holiday treats, family fun, a romantic night under the stars or simply just to show off your skating skills."

She said the experience for visitors improved each year. "Last year, we designed a new improved site layout, bought new skates, refurbished the interior and completely redesigned the café/bar area, making it glass-fronted, quickly establishing it as a cool place in York for a Christmas drink. This year we will be making some festive additions to the experience."

She said Fenwick, the department store situated near the rink, would be sponsoring it again. Managing director James Fenwick said: "Supporting a local event like this really makes us proud of our city and helps to bring families and friends together, whether locals or tourists, at this special time of year."

Ms Farrugia said that skating coaches, who proved a welcome addition last year, would be returning to offer tips to skaters, and provide structured 15 minute coaching sessions to school groups.

"As well as schools packages at discounted prices, we will be offering tailored party packages to suit all requirements - from hen nights to young children's birthday parties as these proved highly popular last year," she said.

Charlie Croft, assistant director, lifelong learning and culture at City of York Council, said: "York benefits hugely from The Ice Factor as it attracts people to the city centre.

"It is a fun event for any age and brings that extra magic to Christmas in our beautiful city."

ICE PACKS 'EM IN YORK

30 November 2006

The Ice Factor, York's open air ice rink, is proving to be the hottest - or should it be the coolest - outdoor attraction this Christmas, and one of the most prestigious outdoor rinks in the UK.

Already almost 10,000 people from all over the country have flocked to the ice rink to slide and glide around the illuminated oak tree beneath Clifford's Tower, while thousands more have gathered to watch the thrills and many spills of ice skating.

The rinkside Ice Bar & Café is rapidly becoming the coolest place in York for a Christmas drink, with its contemporary black and silver décor and giant black and white photographs of the internationally-renowned Imperial Ice Stars' productions of Swan Lake On Ice and Sleeping Beauty On Ice to set the scene and inspire any skater. The Ice Bar offers mulled wine, vodka mixers or cappuccinos as well as hot and cold food and plenty of outdoor entertainment from the budding skaters on the rink.

Staffed by a young friendly team, including Katie Brown, a contender for the 2007 Miss York competition, and with special compilations of popular music, The Ice Bar & Café is fast becoming a hot spot. The Ice Bar & Café is open to the public, whether skating or not, from 10am until 10pm.

Svetlana Nalimova with Vadim Yarkov of the Imperial Ice Stars For those who want to perfect their skating skills, or simply get off to a flying start, world-class skater Svetlana Nalimova from The Imperial Ice Stars will be offering private coaching sessions on the ice from Monday 4th until Sunday 17th December. Ms Nalimova was a former member of the Russian National Figure Skating Team and has won numerous medals in international competitions including the Russian Cup. She is currently touring the UK with The Imperial Ice Stars' acclaimed production of Swan Lake On Ice, as part of a two-year world tour.

The one-hour private lesson can be shared by up to four people and costs £25 per person, including entry to the rink and skate hire. So, for a unique Christmas present or treat, call The Ice Factor booking office on 01653 619169.

Organiser of The Ice Factor, Maria Farrugia, says "We're very excited to be able to offer private lessons with such an accomplished professional skater as Svetlana. It's a rare opportunity for beginners to get vital tips on technique from the outset, or for more experienced skaters to take their skating up a few levels. "The location is stunning too, especially at night when the surrounding Law Courts, Castle Museum and Clifford's Tower are illuminated, the oak tree in the centre of the rink is sparkling with fairy lights and the numerous Christmas trees and cabins around the rink are decked in lights too. It's very atmospheric."

Ms Jessica Howden, 26, a novice skater from Malton said "I came to the Ice Factor last year to skate for the first time and got hooked - it's fantastic fun, great exercise and it feels so festive too. Then my friends and I have a good laugh in the bar afterwards watching everybody else!" Londoner Julie Weldon enthused about York's outdoor rink. "I think The Ice Factor is the most picturesque rink I've seen, and has a real charm and intimacy about it compared to some of the London rinks.

With the Ice Bar too it really is a fun and funky destination for a good night out". The Ice Factor is sponsored by Fenwick and is also supported by HSBC, Grand Opera House York, National Railway Museum, The Pavilion Hotel, Adverset media solutions, Vue cinema and Castle Howard, as well as partners Minster FM and The Press.

Booking is advisable, through ticketweb on 0871 2302637 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 619 169 or 07976 812050 at weekends.

The Ice Factor is produced by Lunchbox Theatrical Productions, Tony Mercer and Simon Cooke, in association with York City Council.

Yorkshire-based Lunchbox Theatrical Productions is regarded as one of the world's leading boutique producers of live entertainment, working in Asia, Australia, the UK, Europe and South Africa.

Tony Mercer is a highly renowned producer of theatrical ice shows around the world, with over 12 productions to his name. Simon Cooke is a promoter of outdoor music concerts at English Heritage and other venues across the UK.

For further information please contact: Maria Farrugia Lunchbox Theatrical Productions 01653 619650 or mobile 07976 812 050 www.lunchbox-productions.com www.theicefactor.co.uk

Star of Ice Factor opening coaches John Barrowman, star of Dancing on Ice

Olga Sharutenko, star of Imperial Ice Stars who opened The Ice Factor in York in November is to appear alongside John Barrowman on the new ITV show, “Dancing on Ice” this Saturday.

IMPERIAL ICE STARS JOIN CELEBRITIES FOR NEW SHOW “DANCING ON ICE”

For the first time in eight years, JAYNE TORVILL and CHRISTOPHER DEAN are back together on the ice.

The world famous duo have trained a team of well known personalities in the expert art of Dancing on Ice, ready to compete in a live ice skating championship coming soon to ITV.

Olympic Gold medallist, Kelly Holmes; Broadway and West End star, JOHN BARROWMAN; Television Executive and Presenter, Andi Peters; Dancer, Bonnie Langford; Former England Goal Keeper, David Seaman; The Bill’s Stefan Booth; Coronation Street’s Sean Wilson; Andrea McClean from GMTV; star of Fat Friends, Gaynor Faye; and original IT girl, Tamara Beckwith will all be getting their skates on to compete in this brand new Saturday night entertainment event.

Dancing on Ice sees the superstar duo take responsibility for the novice skaters, all of whom will be partnered with a professional ice skater, two of which are our very own Imperial Ice Stars.

Stars of the internationally toured, Sleeping Beauty on Ice, will be on the big screen as partners of two of the celebrities. Olga Sharutenko, who plays the Lilac Fairy, will be skating with John Barrowman and has already been in intensive training with her partner. Another regular star in the Imperial Ice Stars is Sergei Malishev and his partner, Tamara Beckwith are also ready to dance on ice on ITV this Saturday.

Torvill and Dean coach the celebrities who with their partners devise, learn and perform a different routine every week on the live Saturday night show, presented by Phillip Schofield and Holly Willoughby.

A panel of judges will be rink side to grade each performance and it will be their verdict combined with viewers’ votes that will decide who should skate on to the following week..

And following the gruelling training, and weekly eliminations Dancing On Ice will culminate in a magical grand finale where one ice skating personality will be crowned Britain’s brand new ice sensation.

Tony Mercer, Artistic Director of the Imperial Ice Stars and independent consultant to the ITV show said “We are really excited about this collaboration and cannot wait to see how the celebrities perform with our very own celebrities on ice. It will be a lot of fun for Olga and Sergei to coach beginners and see their progression over the course of the show.”

DANCING ON ICE Starts Saturday 14th Jan on ITV1 (check local listings)

To read more about the show, go to http://www.dancingonice.com/

Fans can get tickets for the show from Applause Store : By Phone: +44 (0)8700 24 1000 By Fax: +44 (0)20 8953 9093 By Email: audience@applausestore.com Online: www.applausestore.com