Media Release
BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND! FENWICK PROUDLY PRESENTS THE RETURN OF THE ICE FACTOR FOR ITS THIRD SEASON
YORK, July 2007: The Ice Factor, York’s open air ice rink, has announced that it will be back in York this Christmas for its third successive season. 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 openair real ice rink. In fact, last year alone, The Ice Factor featured in the top ten list of festive ice rinks by The Guardian and The Sun.
The Ice Factor has rapidly become a Christmas fixture for York residents and visitors, attracting nearly 45,000 skaters last year, an increase on the 35,000 skaters who visited in the first year. Thousands more came just to watch the fun or enjoy the stylish Ice Bar & Café.
One of the newest additions to The Ice Factor last year was the rinkside, glassfronted Ice Bar & Café which quickly established itself as the coolest place in York for a Christmas drink. With its contemporary black and silver décor and giant black and white photographs of the internationallyacclaimed Imperial Ice Stars’ productions of Swan Lake on Ice and Sleeping Beauty on Ice it all helped to set the scene and inspire any skater.
And this winter The Ice Factor 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.
Fenwick, the department store situated opposite The Ice Factor is proud to be title sponsor for the third year. “We are delighted to be on board again,” says James Fenwick, Managing Director of Fenwick. “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.”
“The Ice Factor will look as pretty as ever this year,” says Maria Farrugia, organiser of the event, “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.”
“Each year we try to improve the experience for our visitors – last year we designed a new improved site layout, bought brand new skates, refurbished the interior and completely redesigned the café/bar area, making it glassfronted. This year we will be making some festive additions to The Ice Factor experience.” said Ms Farrugia.
Ms Farrugia said that the skating coaches proved to be a very welcome addition last year, and will be returning this year to offer tips on the ice 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 added.
City of York Council is also pleased to see the return of The Ice Factor. Charlie Croft, Assistant Director, Lifelong Learning & Culture 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.”
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 619 650 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. Yorkshirebased 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