The Manchester Ice Rink is once again coming to First Street following a hugely successful launch last year.  This year, the 15m x 20m ice rink will remain open right through the holiday season from 15^th November to 6^th January, and prices will start at just £10.00 – with special rates available for group and corporate bookings.

Last year, thousands of visitors skated at First Street and the Manchester Ice Rink 2018 looks set to be even more fun-packed this time around.

Visitors will be able to enjoy the locally-curated Worker Bee Markets which will bring together Manchester-made artisan talent – with stalls offering handmade crafts, jewellery, unique food gifts, decorations and treats.  The pop-up market stalls will be at First Street on Wednesday 5th, 12th and 19th December from 12 noon – 6pm.  Worker Bee Markets was conceived by experienced market trader Clare Simpson, who this year was a Best Small Business finalist at the Northern Soul Awards.

Commenting on the return of the rink, a spokesperson for CBRE, which manages the estate, said: “The Manchester Ice Rink at First Street was a huge success last year and we are delighted to welcome it back for a second season which will be even bigger and better than before. The Worker Bee Markets will be the perfect place to shop for Christmas treats and offer a real alternative to shopping in the busy city centre.”

CBRE’s spokesperson continued: “There’s plenty of space at First Street – it’s very family-friendly – but also has superb nightlife, so we see a lot of young students and professionals visiting for an evening out, meaning we’ll have later skate sessions too. It’s a relaxed Christmas experience, away from the hustle and bustle of the main shopping streets.”

First Street’s food and drink operators – including Pizza Express, Starbucks, Indian Tiffin Room, Kettlebell Kitchen, School for Scandal, Junkyard Golf Club, Bunny Jacksons, WOOD Manchester and Gasworks Brewbar – will have special offers, deals and discounts for skaters visiting First Street. Winter warmers, such as hot toddy’s and mulled wine, will also be served from Simon Wood’s, WoodShack pop-up bar, and people can enjoy drinks and watch the skating from the terrace of the INNSIDE Manchester hotel which overlooks the rink.

HOME, First Street’s destination for international arts and culture, are showing two family-friendly theatre shows whilst the rink is in town – White, for ages 2-4, and Dutch musical Slapstick for slightly older children. In addition, they’ll have regular screenings of classic feel-good festive films – you can find the full line-up on their website.

Bookings are now being taken and the rink will be open every weekday from 3.00pm with the final session at 8.00pm and open every weekend from 10.00am.

Online ticket sales are now live at www.manchestericerink.co.uk or call 0161 8209718.

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