A ‘skate in the sky’ ice rink experience is coming to Manchester

It appears that Manchester is to be blessed with not one but two Christmas ice skating rink experiences this festive season.

During the build-up to Christmas, revellers will be able to “float on ice in the sky” thanks to Escape To Freight Island, which is bringing its own ‘skate in the sky’ ice rink experience to Manchester.

By hoisting an ice rink up onto the mezzanine floor at The Ticket Hall inside Depot Mayfield, the venue promises to give skaters “remarkable views” as they look down on all the entertainment taking part on its inside stage this festive season.

It will sit on a brand-new mezzanine floor made by concretene – a newly developed graphene-enhanced concrete created at the University of Manchester.

Skaters will be able to soak up Christmas entertainment from below – gliding across the ice to the sounds of Christmas covers from The Untold Orchestra, or to the soundtrack of some all-time festive Christmas movie favourites.

The ice rink will be part of the venue’s winter village festivities, which will also see Escape To Freight Island welcome in festive traders, a Christmas tree forest, a hog roast grill, mulled wine and hot cider huts, and more.

Transformed into a winter wonderland from Friday, 5 November, the Winter Island experience will combine a traditional Christmas market with an immersive series of live events.

The ‘skate in the sky’ ice rink, however, will not open to the public until Friday, 12 November.

The ice rink opening hours are Monday to Thursday from 4 pm until 11 pm, and Friday to Sunday from 10 am until 11 pm. Tickets are priced at £13 / £10 for adults (peak / off-peak times); £11 / £8 for children (peak / off-peak times); and £10 for students.

General sale is on Wednesday, 3 November at 9 am – but you can sign up now to get access to pre-sale bookings.

Feature image – Piqsels