Winter wonderland in Hardman Square bigger and better than ever before, from November 22nd – January 6th, Spinningfields will once again be transformed into a winter wonderland with the arrival of the ice rink.
Returning to Spinningfields for its fifth successive year, the ice rink, situated in Hardman Square and operated by Cousins Entertainment, will be bigger and better than ever before. The only open air rink in the city centre, it will open seven days a week from 10am until 9.30pm and will feature a large viewing platform for those who would prefer to spectate rather than skate. In addition to the rink, there will also be food and drink outlets and the big screen will feature Christmas films and music to get people in to the festive mood.
Spinningfields also welcomes The Chalet Bar, the latest venture by Heart Soul Rock and Roll who operated the highly successful Yacht Club throughout the summer. The Chalet Bar will provide a range of traditional winter drinks to keep skaters warm and in good spirits, including mulled wine (including traditional, cherry, blueberry and even gingerbread flavours), hot spiced cider and a selection of premiums beers and wine.
The Giant Yorkshire Pudding Company, Good Burger, Pancake Corner and Penelope’s Kitchen have all confirmed their presence in the Festive Village, alongside a mulled wine bar run by The Ski Club’s owners Heart Soul Rock & Roll.
The Giant Yorkshire Pudding Company will be serving up delicious Yorkshire Puddings with seasonal fillings such as beef stew and Cumberland sausage and gravy, while Good Burger will be offering New York style burgers and desserts and Pancake Corner providing both sweet and savoury pancakes.
After the success of Penelope’s Ice Cream pop-up this summer, Penelope’s Kitchen is returning and will be serving up locally-sourced, home-made food, including winter favourites Beef Hotpot and Apple Crumble.
A further number of outlets are due to be confirmed in the next few weeks.
Mark Burgess, Director of Spinningfields Management Company, said; “This year we’ve placed a real emphasis on the additional food and drink concessions on the estate and think we’ve got a great mix of outlets available at the Festive Village. While there’ll be lots of people coming down to skate, there’ll be others who want to come down and soak up the atmosphere and this year, there’s plenty of places they can do that.”
The rink will be able to host up to 200 skaters per hour. The prices have been frozen for the third successive year, giving skaters even more value and there are special rates for students, groups and the ever popular schools scheme.
James Murdoch, Events Manager at Spinningfields, said; “We’ve brought a whole host of new additions to the ice rink area this year and with the food and drink outlets and the new viewing platform, there’s even more reasons to spend a whole afternoon or evening down here. With our festive films playing in the background, we’re confident we’ll get everyone in the festive mood, even those that can’t skate!”
Managing Director of Cousins Entertainment and Olympic Gold Medallist Robin Cousins said; “With its surrounding shops, cafes and restaurants, the rink in Hardman Square will be a perfect stop off for anyone seeking that little bit of extra Winter Festive Magic and skating is a great way to burn off those post lunch calories!”
The ice rink is operated in association with Spinningfields, Manchester City Council, Cousins Entertainment and Heart Soul Rock and Roll.
