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The Press: July 8th 2011

by Mark Stead

York's ice rink to stay for next five years

YORK’S winter ice rink is to remain a focal point of the city’s festive celebrations for the next five years.

Lunchbox Theatrical Productions yesterday secured planning permission from councillors to continue running the Ice Factor attraction at York Designer Outlet’s coach and car park.

The rink has attracted more than 250,000 visitors since it first came to the city, but was forced to leave its original home at the Eye of York after objections from York Crown Court officials.

It opened at the Naburn site for the first time last winter.

This year’s Ice Factor will be in operation from November 26 to January 8. Its planning application was granted despite objections from Fulford Parish Council and fears being raised by residents in nearby Naburn Lane about parking problems and noise.

Lunchbox’s spokeswoman, Maria Farrugia, told City of York Council’s east area planning sub-committee: “The Ice Factor has been voted the most picturesque ice rink in the country and we will work hard to keep that accolade.” She said this year’s event would be run with mains electricity and generators, which had previously caused noise concerns, only being used in emergencies.

Naburn Lane resident Stuart Carter told the meeting: “We have a right for our private lives to be respected and we feel last year’s event did not respect that.”

A premises licence for the Ice Factor was granted at a separate council meeting earlier this week.

 

The Press: July 5th 2011

The Ice Factor secures licence at York Designer Outlet

 

 

PLANS to bring York’s annual ice rink back to the city’s Designer Outlet could be approved next week.

City of York Council planners have recommended approving an application by Lunchbox Theatrical Productions for the Ice Factor rink to be based at the Naburn site, next to the A64, for the next five years.

The company won permission for the rink to make its debut at the Designer Outlet's coach park last year after it had to be switched from its traditional home at the Eye of York because of objections from officials at York Crown Court.

Last year’s Ice Factor run attracted about 31,000 visitors, a reduction of about 6,000 on the numbers it drew in while in the city centre, but Lunchbox said the icy winter weather had a part to play in this. They also said the Designer Outlet move had helped encourage people from areas such as Selby and Doncaster to use the rink.

The council’s east area planning sub-committee will meet on Thursday to discuss the plans for the rink to stay at the Designer Outlet for five years, having previously granted a one-year consent to allow it to operate last winter.

Fulford Parish Council has opposed the ice rink, with its objections including claims it is inappropriate in the Green Belt, the noise from the site would disturb residents and animals and the number of visitors would cause parking problems.

If approved, the rink would operate for public skating sessions between 9.30am and 9.15pm, with lessons being held between 8.30am and 9.30am on weekends. A report which will go before Thursday’s meeting also said visitor numbers at the Designer Outlet rose by about 9,000, or four per cent, during the period when the rink was open last winter.

 Yorkshire Post : July 2nd 2011

 Backing city ice rink switch

PLANS to bring York’s ice rink back each winter to its new home on the outskirts of the city took a step closer to becoming a reality after planners backed the proposals.

The rink moved to the city’s Designer Outlet last year after leaving its traditional home at the Eye of York because of objections from officials at nearby York Crown Court.

The application to York Council by Maria Farrugia, the executive producer of Lunchbox Theatrical Productions, is for the temporary siting of the public ice rink on the coach park during the festive season over the next five years.

Last Christmas’s rink attracted about 40,000 skaters, down 5,000 on the previous year at the Eye of York.

But the proposals face opposition from Fulford Parish Council which has a long list of reasons why it does not want permission to be granted. Among them are concerns over noise nuisance generated by last year’s event and problems over parking and road safety issues.

Several residents have also raised concerns over the impact on wildlife, particularly bats. But planners at York Council are minded to approve the application subject to a number of conditions.

They have claimed that the plans will not “cause undue harm”, the green belt will not suffer and the impact on local highway network and car park will also be limited.

The report will be considered by councillors at a meeting on Thursday.

 

The Press: May14th 2011

By Mike Laycock

Annual ice rink returns to York Designer Outlet

ORGANISERS of York’s annual ice rink have confirmed they intend to bring it back to the Designer Outlet next Christmas.

And they say they are working with outlet managers on plans to make it a bigger “winter wonderland” attraction, with additional features nearby such as a German market and children’s fairground rides. Lunchbox Theatrical Productions has applied to City of York Council for planning permission and a premises licence for the rink to run at the outlet in Fulford from November 26 to January 8, one week less than last year.

A similar licence and planning permission were granted last autumn despite objections from a local resident and Fulford Parish Council, who were concerned about noise and disturbance.

A series of conditions were agreed to allay any concerns. Any representations on the latest licence application should be made to the council by June 11.

The rink moved to the outlet last year after it had to leave its traditional home in the Eye of York because of objections from officials at the nearby York Crown Court.

Last Christmas’s rink attracted about 40,000 skaters, despite the bitterly cold weather and snow of December. The figure was down by about 5,000 on the previous year at the Eye of York, but Maria Farrugia, of Lunchbox, said this was only in line with reductions experienced by retailers because of the weather, and because people were still becoming familiar with the new location.

She said the siting of the rink alongside the A64 dual carriageway and A19, coupled with free parking, had helped attract people from even further afield, especially Selby and Doncaster.

Maria said yesterday that further efforts would be made to market the rink in east, west and south Yorkshire because of the ease of access to the outlet from the highways network.

Prices would be held at last year’s levels because Lunchbox recognised the difficulties caused to people by the current economic climate.

 The Press: January 6th 2011

 By Mike Laycock

Ice Rink set to return to York Designer Outlet after Christmas visit success

YORK’S ice rink looks set to return to the Designer Outlet next Christmas after organisers hailed this year’s event as a great success, despite the bitterly cold weather.

The Ice Factor rink moved to the outlet in Fulford after being refused permission to return to its traditional home in the Eye of York, following objections from nearby York Crown Court.

York suffered its coldest December in more than a century, but Maria Farrugia, of organisers Lunchbox Theatrical Productions, said yesterday the rink still looks set to have attracted 40,000 skaters by the time it shuts on Sunday night.

She said the figure was down by about 5,000 on last year’s attendance, but this was only in line with reductions experienced by retailers because of the weather, and people were still becoming familiar with the new location.

The siting of the rink alongside the A64 dual carriageway and A19, coupled with free parking, had helped attract people from even further afield this year, with many customers coming from Selby and Doncaster for the first time because of the travel convenience. Maria said: “We have had a fantastic Christmas and New Year, with the busiest day of our whole season on Monday, which is great.”

She said many customers had welcomed the extra space for them to skate on the rink, which is 50 per cent bigger than in previous years. She said: “All feedback has been fantastic and we are already booking in meetings to start discussions about next year, so are feeling very positive. We want to return.” She said fresh applications would need to be made to City of York Council for planning permission and a premises licence, but stressed that this year’s event had not caused a noise nuisance to local residents.

Sally Gilbank, marketing manager for the outlet, said she hoped the rink would return next year.

“It has been beneficial to the centre, both in attracting custom and providing an additional attraction over the Christmas period.”

 

The Press: December 14th 2010

 By Mike Laycock

York children get chance to try ice hockey

CHILDREN will have a chance to learn a new sport at York’s Christmas Ice Rink when ice hockey lessons are launched in the New Year. Organisers of the Ice Factor rink say they have provided skating lessons for the last four years, which have always proved popular, and wanted to try something different this year.

Maria Farrugia, Ice Factor spokeswoman, said: “A lot of our ice marshal staff play hockey regularly so were very keen to show their talents and offer their coaching skills to York.

“We are really excited about the interest that the course has already had and it’s a fabulous Christmas gift, with lessons, free skating and a personalised hockey shirt as a memento at the end of it. Boys and girls are welcome.”

She said children would be taught stick handling, passing and types of shots on goal and, at the end of the coaching sessions, everyone would be given a certificate and an ice hockey shirt with their name on the back.

To launch and showcase the lessons, a five-a-side match was held at the rink on Sunday between teams of Ice Factor staff in the two teams The Blue Keld Killers (under-25s) and The Ice Factor Vikings (over-25s), with the Killers winning 8-4.

Ian Foreman, of Ice Factor, who has been playing ice hockey for over 35 years, said he was pleased children now had the chance to get a taste of the sport, and he hoped they would go on to play for many years.

The Ice Hockey lessons will take place at 8.30am on January 2, 3 and 9. Courses costs £60 and include three one-hour lessons.

The rink, situated in previous years in the Eye of York, has moved this year to the Designer Outlet at Fulford.

Maria said almost 15,000 skaters had been to the rink so far, which was a bit quieter than normal. However, she thought this was probably because of the harsh winter weather and the rink would be busier as Christmas approached and children went on holiday.

 

The Press: November 25th 2010

By Mike Laycock

Positive response to York's Christmas ice rink

SKATERS are hailing the new "winter wonderland" setting for York's Christmas ice rink - and the extra space they have to skate. Organisers of the Ice Factor rink, which opened last week at the designer outlet on the city's outskirts, said they had met with an overwhelmingly positive response.

Spokeswoman Maria Farrugia said skaters, especially novices, appreciated having a rink which was 50 per cent larger than at its previous home of the last few years at the Eye of York. People had also praised the prettiness of the village square-style scenic setting, which features log cabins, an illuminated forest with reindeer and a giant decorated tree in the middle of the ice.

She said it was too early to properly assess visitor numbers, not least because the rink had opened a week later than previous years because of planning and licensing matters. But she said the office phones had been ringing regularly with people making inquiries, and 50 school parties had already been booked to go on the ice.

The two-for-one promotion running in The Press this week was also expected to increase numbers. The rink had to move this year to the outlet at Fulford from its traditional home at the Eye of York because of objections from officials at the nearby York Crown Court.

The Ice Factor will be open from 9.30am until 9.15pm daily, except Christmas Day, until January 9, with tickets for a one-hour session costing £9.50.

 

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Press Release: November 15th 2010

Calendar Girls Headline Spectacular Opening Night for New-Look Ice Factor

With only four days to go until The Ice Factor opens for its sixth season, it appears the change of location has made the event even more of a Christmas attraction with a spectacular opening night planned to showcase York’s new look outdoor ice rink.

In its new home at York Designer Outlet, The Ice Factor looks set to be bigger and better than ever as it undergoes a theatrical transformation into a Winter Wonderland village square, surrounded by log cabins, an illuminated forest with reindeer, and a giant Christmas tree in the centre of the rink. The new and improved outdoor rink will have a 50% bigger skating area, over 300 pairs of new skates and a more spacious skate hire marquee and Ice Bar & Cafe for greater customer comfort.

York’s favourite Christmas attraction, which last year won the York Tourism Awards and was voted best ice rink to visit in the country by Radio 2, will open from 6:00pm on Thursday 18th November with an official Christmas lights switch‐on, a superb skating performance and local celebrities all wanting to be the first on the ice.

The festive atmosphere will start earlier in the day inside York Designer Outlet with free mulled wine and mince pies and a plethora of Christmas entertainment around the Outlet, as well as a live broadcast from Minster FM offering free skating vouchers.

At 6:30pm, The Ice Factor’s Christmas lights, including a giant 30ft artificial tree in the centre of the rink, will be officially switched on by international celebrities, The Calendar Girls. Joining The Ice Factor for one night only, Yorkshire’s hugely popular sixsome will be supporting their charity Leukemia & Lymphoma Research for which they have already raised over £2 million, and promoting a brand new event, Love Cooking, which takes place in Harrogate on 5th December.

Following the switch‐on, The Ice Factor will present an ice skating performance be Yorkshire girl, Toni Murray. Currently ranked 2nd in Britain as a Junior and 4th as a Senior, and scoring a personal best in skating for Great Britain in the Junior Grand Prix series beating the current ranked British No 1, Toni is currently ranked 72nd in the World.

The ice rink will then be open for skating and Minster FM has over 300 free skating vouchers to be won that night. In order to grab one of these, customers are advised to head down to the event and be one of the first at the ticket cabin with the secret passcode (which can be found on The Ice Factor and Minster FM websites), find the Capital Crew inside the Outlet from 2pm or listen to Minster FM all this week to win tickets.

On Friday 19th November, York Designer Outlet customers are invited to come and skate with a special 2 for 1 voucher which can be obtained on York Designer Outlet’s website, www.yorkdesigneroutlet.com. The offer applies to all sessions all day.

The Ice Factor at York Designer Outlet is now conveniently located on the A64/A19 interchange to the south of York, and offers free and ample parking, as well as a regular No7 bus service between the city centre and the Designer Outlet Park ‘n’ Ride.

The Ice Factor is open from 9:30am until 9.15pm daily (except Christmas Day) from 19th November 2010 until 9th January 2011. Tickets for a one‐hour session cost £9.50 for adults and £8.50 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 619169 or 07518 034163 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.

 

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The Press: October 7th 2010

By Mike Laycock

York Designer Outlet ice rink to get go ahead despite residents' concerns

PLANS to relocate York’s annual ice rink to the Designer Outlet look set to get the go-ahead, despite local residents’ worries about noise, light and traffic.

A report to City of York Council’s east area planning committee next Thursday is recommending conditional approval on a temporary basis this Christmas.

Officers say the application will go before the committee at the request of Fulford councillor Keith Aspden, so residents with concerns about opening hours, lighting and traffic movements can raise them in public.

A site visit is also being recommended so members can fully appreciate residents’ worries.

The Press revealed last month that Lunchbox Theatrical Productions, which has organised the hugely successful Ice Factor rink in the Eye of York for several years, had abandoned efforts to return there in the face of determined opposition from officials at nearby York Crown Court.

The company was instead submitting a planning application to move to a coach park at the Designer Outlet at Fulford, and intended to make the rink 50 per cent bigger than in previous years.

A report to the committee says the 30 metre by 35 metre rink would operate from November 12 until January 9, with opening times from 9.30am to 9.15pm. Objections had been received from several residents of Naburn Lane, and another from Lingcroft Lane, which claimed:

• Lighting would disturb migratory birds on Fulford Ings.
• Rink music would add to disturbance to residents created by the outlet, particularly at night.
• Car parks were already overflowing at this time of year and the attraction would add to parking on Naburn Lane, raising safety concerns particularly for young children.

The report said Lunchbox had promised noise would be managed and weekly neighbourhood meetings would take place allowing residents to voice any concerns, so action could be taken quickly.

Additional information had been received regarding noise and lighting, which was to be assessed by the Environmental Protection Unit prior to the meeting, with an update provided on the day.

“Subject to the noise and lighting information being considered to provide comfort, in relation to the impact on the living conditions of local residents, the application is recommended for approval on a temporary basis.”

 

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The Press: September 27th 2010

By Mike Laycock

Ice Factor ice rink settles on York Designer Outlet location

ORGANISERS of York’s annual ice rink are pressing ahead with plans to relocate to the city’s Designer Outlet – and have revealed the rink is set to be 50 per cent bigger.

Lunchbox Theatrical Productions has ended its battle to return to the Eye of York this Christmas, following strong and continuing opposition from officials at the nearby crown court.

Now it says it is looking to put on its most spectacular event so far at the outlet, situated just off the A19 and A64 at Fulford.

The Press exclusively revealed earlier this month that planning and licensing applications had been submitted to City of York Council for the site.

Rink producer James Cundall said today he was excited to have found a potential new home that would allow them to make huge improvements.

“This year, we plan to have a 900sqm rink, which is 50 per cent bigger than the previous rink on the Eye of York, and we will have space to add lots of festive touches,” he said.

“A bigger bar and café and skate marquees will also make visiting The Ice Factor an even more pleasurable experience.”

James Lindsay, centre manager at York Designer Outlet said: “We’re thrilled at the possibility of hosting one of York’s top Christmas attractions at our centre this year.”

York council leader Andrew Waller said the proposal was “great news for the city.” He said that while the applications were still being reviewed, he was positive everyone would want to see the Christmas attraction return.

“I fully support this move though am very sad to see the event not return to the city centre.”

If the ice rink plans succeed, it would also provide easier access to the festive attraction for Selby residents, and Coun Steve Shaw-Wright, leader of Selby District Council’s Labour group, said: “It’s become part of the Christmas event scene and people from this area travel to it, but while the city centre location was nice and pretty, it did cause traffic problems for visitors coming from outside York.

“Being at the Designer Outlet would be a bonus for people from Selby because it’s closer to the area and there are regular bus services, so it would be a win-win situation for everybody. I think it would mean more people would use it because it’s a great attraction and this move would hopefully keep it going for years to come.”

Subject to permission, the Ice Factor will be open from November 20 from 9.30am until 9.15pm, daily except Christmas Day, until January 9.

Tickets for the one-hour session will cost £9.50 for adults and £8.50 for children and concessions.

Further details are available at theicefactor.co.uk or by phoning 01653 619169.

 

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The Press: August 19th 2010

By Mike Laycock

Coun Christian Vassie reveals idea to allow Ice Factor skating rink to return to Eye of York.

YORK Crown Court should be given double-glazing to prevent the city losing its Christmas ice rink, a councillor has suggested. Coun Christian Vassie, City of York Council’s energy and efficiency champion, has written to Energy and Climate Change Secretary Chris Huhne to ask for his assistance.

He claims double-glazing would not only reduce noise disturbance for proceedings in the courthouse but also make   the buildings more energy efficient.  Her Majesty’s Court Service (HMCS) is strongly opposed to the return of the annual rink to the Eye of York because it says noise and laughter from skaters causes disturbance during cases.

The Press revealed earlier this week that the service had rejected a compromise offer by rink organisers Lunchbox Theatrical Productions, under which the rink would be closed to skating between 9am and 5pm on most days when the court was sitting.

Coun Vassie it would be “tragic” for York first to lose the Barbican, then the Big Wheel and now the ice rink. ''These have all been popular attractions with both residents and visitors,” he said.

“With the ice rink, there is a simple solution to keeping the attraction where it has been so successful for years. The only reason they hear any noise is because their windows aren’t double-glazed.” He said all sorts of historic buildings across Europe had had bespoke secondary double-glazing installed without any problems.

He said: “Before anyone says England is any different, there is secondary double-glazing fitted in St Paul’s Cathedral. If they can do it then so can we. “The Eye of York is one of this city’s most beautiful assets and the Christmas ice rink sets it off beautifully and creates an absolutely magical experience.

“It is time we worked with the court to remove the noise issue, improve the energy efficiency of the building and, at the same time, protect public access to our glorious Eye of York.” A spokeswoman for HMCS declined to comment.

 

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The Press: August 18th 2010

By Mike Laycock

Eye of York ice rink organisers question why fairgroud carousel is allowed to operate.

ORGANISERS of York’s endangered annual ice rink have asked why a fairground carousel is being allowed to operate outside York Crown Court, when their event is banned. Lunchbox Theatrical Productions, which has staged the Ice Factor rink in the Eye of York for the last few years, has suggested it appears to be the victim of a “vendetta” by the courts service.

The Press reported yesterday how a last ditch compromise offered by Lunchbox in a bid to return to the Eye next Christmas had been rejected by court officials. Lunchbox offered to keep the rink closed to skaters during courtroom hours on most days, in response to court concerns about disruption to sensitive proceedings.

The offer was put by City of York Council to Her Majesty’s Court Service, which turned it down. A service spokeswoman told The Press the rink was incompatible with the operation of the court, as noise and

laughter from the rink caused disturbance during cases last year.

But now Lunchbox has queried why a children’s carousel fairground has been allowed to operate in recent weeks in exactly the same location as the rink. A spokeswoman for the company said today: “It is an irony that the court is not objecting to a vintage carousel ride being situated on The Eye of York during the summer months.

“More interesting is the fact that the ride is playing music during court hours, thus generating more noise than The Ice Factor.” Asked to explain why the carousel was permitted when the rink was not, a spokeswoman for the court service said only that the carousel did not cause any disruption to court proceedings.

 A council spokeswoman said permission had been granted for the carousel to operate without music during court sitting hours.

 

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The Press: August 17th 2010

By Mike Laycock

Ice Factor skating rink plan for Eye of York is given the cold shoulderLAST-DITCH efforts to stage York’s annual ice rink again next Christmas have suffered a shattering blow.

Court officials have rejected a compromise proposal, under which the Ice Factor would return to the Eye of York near York Crown Court but with skating barred during most courtroom sitting hours. An alternative scheme, to move the hugely popular rink to the nearby Castle Car Park, has been rejected by City of York Council officials because of the potential loss of parking revenue, estimated at about £150,000.

The likely loss of 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, was today branded a “blow to the local economy and to residents and visitors” by the council’s Labour opposition leader James Alexander.

He said he had written to chief executive Kersten England to claim the authority appeared to be “bowing down” to the courts over a site that the council had jurisdiction over. But Liberal Democrat council leader Andrew Waller said he did not believe the opportunity for compromise was over, and said he would write to a coalition Government Justice Minister to ask for help.

He said he understood the court’s concerns over disruption when cases were being heard, but he believed that if the rink would not be held during hearings – as he understood had been offered – that would seem a reasonable compromise.

He said the loss of parking spaces in the Castle Car Park would be of concern to retailers, as well as the council. Lunchbox Theatrical Productions, which organises the rink, said it had cooperated with the courts in every way possible to ensure their important work was not affected by the rink.

A company spokeswoman said: “The Ice Factor has offered to reduce its opening hours by 29 days so that the rink only opens at 5pm after the court shuts. In this way, the ice rink would only be open on six days when the court is sitting.

“This would potentially mean that The Ice Factor loses money but we are determined to keep the project alive'. She claimed the service had not been prepared to meet to discuss the compromise solution. A spokeswoman for Her Majesty’s Court Service said that unfortunately, the operation of the ice rink in the

proposed location was incompatible with the operation of the crown court which was very close by.

“The noise of laughter and shouting from the rink caused disturbance during two cases last year and, in one particularly sensitive case, it added to the distress and emotion of jurors and family members as the verdict was given out,” she said.

“We are therefore pleased that City of York Council understands our concerns and has accepted that Eye of York will not be the venue for the ice rink this coming season.”

Councillor Sonja Crisp, Labour spokesperson for leisure and culture, said: “The Christmas scene in York will be  much bleaker without The Ice Factor.”

 

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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.

 

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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.

 

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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.”

 

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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.

 

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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.

 

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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.”

 

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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 beinstalled 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.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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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.