The Press: June 5th 2010
By Mike Laycock
York battle to rescue ice rink
ORGANISERS of York’s annual ice rink have launched a last ditch bid to stage the popular attraction again next Christmas.
Staff from Lunchbox Theatrical Productions have been back this week to every potential location for the rink, including ones previously ruled out because of problems such as poor access, lack of space and flooding risks.
Spokeswoman Maria Farrugia said they had bent over backwards to overcome such difficulties, for example by looking at using a smaller rink.
She said the company would submit a proposal to City of York Council in a fortnight’s time and sit down to discuss the options.
But she said it was important to try to make a decision if possible by the end of this month, as several months of preparation time would be needed to stage a rink in a new location.
The rink, which attracted about 45,000 skaters last Christmas and was named earlier this year as one of the city’s best tourist attractions, has been staged for the past few years in the Eye of York, near Clifford’s Tower.
But York Crown Court officials have told the council it cannot go there again because of disruption to court proceedings, despite a petition signed by 20,000 supporters.
A bid to relocate it to the Museum Gardens has also been blocked by the York Museums Trust, which believes the gardens would be an “entirely inappropriate” location for what it believes would be a visually intrusive rink.
Lunchbox has said previously it believed there was only one more suitable option left for the rink, but could not disclose its location.
York council leader Andrew Waller, who has spoken previously of his concern at the possible loss of the rink because it is such a major attraction for York, said today the authority was working with the Ice Factor on a number of possible sites, and he would be meeting with the chief executive of the Museums Trust very soon.
“Once all the options have been examined, I hope that we will resolve this issue by the end of June,” he added.
Maria Farrugia said organisers are submitting a new proposal to City of York Council in a bid to stage the ice rink at a new site in York next Christmas
Press Release: April 23rd 2010
ICE FACTOR WINS VISITOR ATTRACTION OF THE YEAR…BUT STILL REMAINS HOMELESS
During its five years as a top Christmas attraction in York city centre, The Ice Factor has won many accolades from the media but last night the outdoor real ice rink received its first award at the York Tourism Awards.
Winner for Visitor Attraction of the Year, The Ice Factor was up against Go Ape and Yorkshire Lavender in the under 50,000 visitors category. “We are thrilled to finally be acknowledged as a key attraction of York and see this award as recognition of our hard work over the last five years,” said Maria Farrugia, Executive Producer of the event. “Whilst we are of course be over the moon to win Visitor Attraction of the Year (under 50,000), just being nominated also meant a huge amount to the team.”
But in an ironic twist of fate, the major tourist attraction has no home for next year. “Last year we were told by the neighbouring Law Courts that we could not return to The Eye of York in 2010 which is why we launched the Save the Rink campaign,” said James Cundall, Chief Executive of Lunchbox Theatrical Productions, organisers of the event. “We had over 20,000 people sign our petition to keep the event in its current location but the court has not relented and despite the valued efforts of the City of York Council we are now homeless.”
“2009/10 was our most successful season to date with more visitors than ever coming to skate. We were truly surprised given it was probably the worst winter we have had since we started, with heavy rain in November and snow for the rest of our season. It is really sad to think the recognition gained this year could all be in vain.”
James Cundall added “We faced even further bad news this week with the Museum Gardens declining our proposal to relocate the Ice Factor to their gardens, so with only one other option available to us, it is still unclear whether we will be able to return to York this Christmas. We really have looked at every potential site in the City centre but have only one more option that is suitable. If anyone has any other suggestions, we would very much welcome a discussion.”
The Ice Factor attracts nearly 50,000 people to the rink every year and has become the key attraction in York’s city centre at Christmas since 2004. The event has also won numerous national accolades. These include being voted as one of the top ten ice rinks in the country by The Guardian, The Sun and The Times and in 2010 The Ice Factor was given the accolade of best ice rink to visit in the country by Radio 2.
The Ice Factor is produced by Lunchbox Theatrical Productions, Tony Mercer and Simon Cooke, in association with City of York Council. Yorkshire-based Lunchbox Theatrical Productions is regarded as one of the world’s leading boutique producers of live entertainment working across five continents. Tony Mercer is a highly renowned producer of theatrical ice shows around the world, with over 13 productions to his name. Simon Cooke is an independent producer with a background in promoting outdoor music concerts at English Heritage and other venues across the UK. He is currently Managing Director of Ronnie Scott’s jazz club in London.
The Press: December 10th 2009
By Mike Laycock
New Row over York Ice Rink
FRESH row blew up today over the future of the popular Christmas ice rink in the Eye of York.
A councillor claimed York leisure chief Charlie Croft was warned he risked contempt of court and jail if he tried to bring the Ice Factor rink back to the site near York Crown Court next year.
But the courts service flatly denied the allegation, and claimed that the noise of laughter and shouting from the rink had caused disturbance during two cases recently.
A spokesman said the noise had added to the distress and emotion of jurors and family members when the verdict was being given out on a very sensitive case last week, and added: “We are not being killjoys.” However, the Ice Factor has revealed that it monitored decibel levels around the courthouse for a week and found that the back – near Tower Street – was consistently noisier than the front, where the rink is situated.
Spokeswoman Maria Farrugia said professional noise monitoring equipment had been used to take readings every half-hour during court hours for a week, and every reading had shown higher levels of noise at the back than the front. The Ice Factor has collected more than 10,000 signatures for a petition calling for the rink to return to the Eye next year.
The petition was launched after The Press revealed that City of York Council was threatened with an injunction if it tried to bring the rink back to the Eye next Christmas.
Labour’s leisure spokeswoman Sonja Crisp claimed today that, in addition to this, Mr Croft had been personally warned he could face action for contempt of court by court officials.
She said she was disgusted that an official who was trying to bring cultural and leisure facilities to York should be treated in this way. “I am extremely disappointed at the Crown Court’s stance on this matter, she said.
Ice Factor producer James Cundall claimed the courts had been ‘“draconian and heavy-handed,” adding: “It is just sad that the Law Courts want to play Scrooge at Christmas.”
A council spokeswoman said it had agreed with the Ice Factor that this would be its last year at the Eye of York. “However, we recognise that the annual ice rink is a popular addition to York’s Christmas activities and are working with the organisers to find a suitable alternative venue for future years.”
The Press: December 5th 2009
By Mike Laycock
10,000 SIGN ICE FACTOR RINK PETITION AT THE EYE OF YORK
A PETITION calling for the popular Christmas ice rink to return to the Eye Of York next year has been signed by more than 10,000 people in less than three weeks.
Staff at the Ice Factor rink said the public’s support has been overwhelming – and claim that even members of staff from the nearby York Crown Court building are among those signing.
They said Grant Read, 17, from Acomb, who regularly skated at the rink, has also collected an additional 800 signatures through Facebook, and two pupils from Manor School had collected almost 400 by asking schoolmates to sign forms.
Now the organisers hope to collect as many as 25,000 signatures by the time the rink closes in early January, and they said it was time for court officials to think again about their blanket opposition to the rink’s return.
The rink opened last month for the fifth year running against a spectacular backdrop of Clifford’s Tower, the Castle Museum and the court. But The Press revealed the organisers had been told by City of York Council to look at alternative locations for next year, such as the Museum Gardens, because of objections from HM Courts Service. It later emerged the council’s stance came after it had been threatened with an injunction by court officials.
Ice Factor producer James Cundall said today: “The support has been overwhelming, from both residents and tourists. Our target was 10,000 and we’ve already passed that figure.”
Mr Cundall said Ice Factor had taken every step possible to ensure it did not disturb the courts, including setting up the rink in the evening when the courts had finished sitting and playing no music during the day, and he urged court officials to reconsider their opposition.
“People should ask whether court officials are abusing their powers by using threats of injunctions, instead of going through the usual channels with the authorities if they had any concerns about disturbance,” he said.
A spokesman for Her Majesty’s Courts Service said the operation of the rink in its current location was “incompatible with the operation of the Crown Court”.
At a council meeting on Thursday night, city strategy director Steve Galloway said there were three alternative sites for the rink now being looked at.
THE ICE FACTOR OPENS THIS FRIDAY - BUT FUTURE YEARS UNCERTAIN DUE TO COURT OPPOSITION
York 12th November 2009: With the finishing touches being put in place, The Ice Factor looks set to open in true style despite a cloud hanging over the future of the ice rink.
On Friday, The Ice Factor will return with its official opening night at 6:45pm. The evening will kick off with a special performance from Imperial Ice Star, Elena Bogospasaeva, currently touring the world in Cinderella on Ice (www.imperialicestars.com). Following this, Toni Murray will be performing at The Ice Factor for the very first time. Ranked 3rd in Britain in Junior Ladies Figure Skating, 17-year old Toni will be skating a special piece to Nutcracker music .There will be appearances from the cast of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, playing the pantomime season at the Grand Opera House, including Michelle Hardwick from The Royal who is playing Snow White and in addition, Gold Bear from Haribo will be cutting some moves on the ice as well as a local brass band who will be playing some festive tunes to get everyone dancing on ice.
The Ice Factor opens to the public this Saturday and is guaranteed to get even the most bah-humbug of people in the festive mood. ?Many people associate our event with the coming of Christmas,? says Maria Farrugia, Executive Producer ?and with the tallest Christmas tree in York, festive lighting, Christmas songs on the ice and warming hot chocolate and mulled wine being served in the café, you can?t help but get in the mood for some seasonal fun! Perhaps we might even get members of the Crown Court on the ice at the end of a busy day.?
In its fifth year, the Ice Factor has become a Christmas icon for the city of York, but organisers have been told this year that it must be the last on the Eye of York.
"We have worked very closely with the Council who own the land but sadly were informed in September that we were unable to continue the event on this site owing to objections by the Law Courts which are situated next to the rink? says James Cundall, producer of The Ice Factor. ?To ensure this season was permitted to continue, we were asked to adhere to certain build changes, including working overnight, which have been followed to the tee but sadly regardless of how smoothly the event runs this year, we are being told we cannot return. It is sad when we have worked so hard for the last five years to create a wonderful event that we are being forced to find another site."
"We find the Courts' attitude immensely sad as it will deprive York residents and tourists to this amazing city of the only Christmas attraction which has, over the last five years, become established as part of Christmas. In addition, we are deeply concerned that the Courts will now control what happens on The Eye of York, which is one of the few public spaces within the City Walls."
James adds, "We have been contacted by hundreds of members of the public who have requested that we launch a petition to demonstrate popular opinion for The Ice Factor to continue on The Eye of York. Bowing to this, we have decided to set up a "Save our Rink" petition which perhaps will persuade the Courts to change their minds". To sign up for the petition, visit the website (www.theicefactor.co.uk) or ask to sign the book when visiting the rink.
Proudly sponsored by Grand Central, The Ice Factor is open from 10am until 9.30pm daily (except Christmas Day) until 3rd January 2010. Tickets for the one-hour session cost £8.95 for adults and £7.95 for children and concessions. 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 619650 or 07976 812050 at weekends.
Booking is advisable, through ticketweb on 0844 847 1523 or online at www.ticketweb.co.uk, though tickets can be purchased on site.
The Ice Factor is produced by Lunchbox Theatrical Productions, Tony Mercer and Simon Cooke, in association with City of York Council. Yorkshire-based Lunchbox Theatrical Productions is regarded as one of the world?s leading boutique producers of live entertainment working across five continents. Tony Mercer is a highly renowned producer of theatrical ice shows around the world, with over 13 productions to his name.
Simon Cooke is an independent producer with a background in promoting outdoor music concerts at English Heritage and other venues across the UK. He is currently Managing Director of Ronnie Scott?s jazz club in London.
GARDENS EYED FOR FESTIVE RINK
YORK, 5TH NOVEMBER 2009: YORK’S popular Christmas ice rink could move to the Museum Gardens next year after losing its traditional home in the Eye of York.
The Ice Factor’s skating rink is currently being set up for the fifth year running in the Eye, against a picturesque backdrop of Clifford’s Tower, the Castle Museum and York Crown Court.
But organisers say City of York Council has made it clear the attraction cannot return there next year following complaints from court officials about noise.
Labour city centre councillor Brian Watson has revealed the authority looked tentatively at both Rowntree Park and the Museum Gardens as alternative locations.
But he said he favoured a city centre location and his initial feeling was that Rowntree Park was too far away, as well as suffering from flooding issues. Ice Factor spokeswoman Maria Farrugia today ruled out the park, saying its distance from the city centre meant it was not commercially viable. But she said the Museum Gardens would be an excellent venue, and one which Ice Factor would like to move to if the Eye of York was out of the question.
She said initial talks had already been held with the York Museums Trust, which is responsible for the gardens.
Locations within the city centre, such as Parliament Street, simply were not big enough, she said. Ms Farrugia said in order to avoid disrupting the courts, work in constructing the rink was taking place this year at night, prior to its official opening on Friday, November 13.
Mike Woodward, business development director for the York Museums Trust, said it had been approached and held an initial discussion about the possibility of the Ice Factor moving to Museum Gardens.
He said: “With an event of this size there are many elements to consider, especially in such a beautiful and historic location.
“We have not ruled the idea out at this early stage, but the trust would need to be sure that the event enhanced the gardens and did not detract from them.”
Charlie Croft, the council’s assistant director of lifelong learning and culture, said: “City of York Council is supporting the Ice Factor in looking for an alternative site in the city centre. “However, Rowntree Park is not being considered as this location is not suitable for operational reasons.”
FIVE YEARS FOR THE ICE FACTOR
YORK, 19TH AUGUST 2009: For the fifth year running, The Ice Factor returns to the centre of York to sprinkle
Christmas magic over the historic city and its surrounds.
From Saturday 14th November 2009 until Sunday 3rd January 2010 the picturesque rink will once again be
installed around the illuminated oak tree in front of Clifford’s Tower, the Law Courts and the Castle Museum,
making one of the most spectacular settings in the country for an open-air rink. Last year The Times voted
The Ice Factor as one of Britain’s best outdoor skating rinks.
Since its opening in 2004 The Ice Factor has become a Christmas fixture for York residents and visitors, attracting
thousands of skaters of all ages and abilities as well as onlookers enjoying some festive fun.
“We are very excited to be returning for a fifth year,” says Maria Farrugia of Lunchbox Theatrical Productions,
organiser of the event, “and once again promise a memorable experience for all with the skating, the café and the
stunning setting all bringing Christmas to life in the centre of York.”
Making a welcome return will be Bobo the penguin and friends, who proved very popular for young skaters as
stabilisers. Ms Farrugia says that the skating coaches will also be returning this year to offer tips on the ice to
skaters, and provide structured 15 minute coaching sessions to school groups.
The Ice Factor has become a popular choice whether for office parties, school outings, birthday parties, Christmas
treats, family fun, hen nights or a romantic night under the stars. The Ice Bar and Café, open from 10 ‘til late
daily, offers a selection of hot and cold food using locally sourced produce, and a large choice of wines, spirits,
beers, soft drinks and winter warmers such as hot chocolate with marshmallows and whipped cream!
Party music from Minster FM will be setting the scene with special compilations of popular hits, to get skaters
“dancing on ice”.
Supported by City of York Council, The Ice Factor is a great attraction for locals and tourists alike. “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.” says Charlie Croft, Assistant Director for Lifelong Learning and
Leisure.
Booking is advisable, through ticketweb on 0844 847 1523 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 or 07976 812050 at weekends.
The Ice Factor is produced by Lunchbox Theatrical Productions, Tony Mercer and Simon Cooke, in association with
City of York Council. Yorkshire-based Lunchbox Theatrical Productions is regarded as one of the world’s leading
boutique producers of live entertainment working across five continents. Tony Mercer is a highly renowned
producer of theatrical ice shows around the world, with over 13 productions to his name.
Simon Cooke is an independent producer with a background in promoting outdoor music concerts at English
Heritage and other venues across the UK. He is currently Managing Director of Ronnie Scott’s jazz club in London.
York Press Article | 7th January 2009
York ice rink breaks more records
ORGANISERS of York’s festive rink have hailed another successful year, with record numbers of skaters taking to the ice.
More than 45,000 people have tried the Ice Factor at the Eye of York during its seven-week run.
Organisers said they were “very pleased” with the public response to the winter “hotspot”.
Maria Farrugia, executive producer of the Ice Factor, said: “We would love to come back next year. We aim to do another seven-week season and continue to tweak it to get it absolutely perfect.
“Nobody likes to see the same thing year-on-year, so we will not rest on our laurels and produce the same event. We will make it bigger and better than ever.” The rink is run by Malton-based Lunchbox Theatrical Productions, but the decision over whether it can return will be made by City of York Council, which owns the site.
Maria said organisers had been amazed by the number of skaters and the response from the public.
She said: “We have had record numbers.
“It has been a hugely successful season and the feedback we have receiving from the public has been amazing.
“We have had a plethora of people thanking us, with people saying how well it is organised and how friendly the team are.”
She said the rink’s setting, in front of Clifford’s Tower, the Castle Museum and the crown court, was a big factor in its success, and added that fans had particularly enjoyed a performance from two world-renowned ice skaters who took to York’s outdoor rink in December to showcase their latest production.
