Caption: Leeds City Council executive member for leisure Cllr Adam Ogilvie (left in top image) and Yorkshire Evening Post editor Paul Napier (right in top image) try out the new Capital FM Snow Slide
Thrill-seekers will be able to take on a brand new challenge in Leeds from this Friday as the Ice Cube opens on Millennium Square.
The popular winter attraction managed by Leeds City Council returns to the city centre from Friday 27 January to Sunday 26 February after being revamped complete with an eye-catching new addition – the Capital FM Snow Slide.
The 40-metre long dry slope snow tubing run, named after Ice Cube’s official radio station 105 Capital FM, offers the ultimate adrenaline rush for anyone brave enough to take on the daunting six-metre drop. To ride the snow slide individually, those taking part must be above 1.1m in height or smaller children (aged two years and above) must sit securely in the lap of their parent or guardian. All tickets for the snow slide must be purchased in advance (details below) or from the onsite ticket office before joining the queue.
The snow slide complements the main and nursery ice rinks as well as another new element to this year’s Ice Cube – the Glacier Run Experience motion simulator, which offers a first-hand experience for up to 20 people at a time of either a thrilling four-minute high-speed bobsleigh or extreme ski run.
Now in its 12th year, Ice Cube has been given a makeover as a response to visitor feedback and this year features a smaller, more family-focused main rink running alongside the nursery rink for younger children and reduced prices with further savings for LEEDSCard and Breezecard holders.
The attraction is also supported for the first time this year by radio station 105 Capital FM who will be providing the soundtrack to all skating sessions via 'Capital Ice Radio’, while further backing comes from the Yorkshire Evening Post.
The booking system has also been revamped, with tickets now able to be pre-booked for any skating session at the official website www.leeds.gov.uk/icecube.
The changes continue with a new-look Ice Cube café, which offers refreshments to both skaters and visitors provided by local restaurateur Casa Mia at the ‘Dolomites Café’ inspired by the spirit of the Italian Alps.
Places at any ice skating session and open tickets for the snow slide can now be booked online at www.leeds.gov.uk/icecube or by calling the call centre on 0843 208 1851, open 9.30am - 8pm Monday to Saturday and 10am - 8pm on Sundays. Tickets for both the ice rink and snow slide will also be able to be purchased (subject to availability) from the new event ticket office on Millennium Square which will be open from Friday 27 January. Admission for the bobsleigh and ski simulator can only be purchased at the ride upon arrival.
Prices for the ice skating sessions are £7 Adult (18 years or over), £5.50 LEEDSCard and concessions (students, seniors, disabled any young persons aged 13-17 in full-time education) & £5 Breezecard and children 12 years and under. Tickets for the snow slide are priced at £2 per ride or £5 for 3 rides and admission for the simulator is priced at £3 per ride with discounts available for LEEDSCard and Breezcard holders for both attractions.
A limited number of Ice skating lessons are also still available for Wednesday night sessions open to people of all levels and all ages from beginners to more advanced skaters, following the National Ice Skating Association (NISA) Skate UK programme are run by qualified skating professionals.
Priced at £48 per person, the tuition sessions will run for four weeks with places able to be booked by calling the City Centre Box office on 0113 224 3801 which is open Monday - Saturday between 10am and 6pm, or for further details visit the website at www.leeds.gov.uk/icecube.
Leeds City Council executive member for leisure Councillor Adam Ogilvie said:
“I’m sure like everyone else I have been watching with interest at the new-look Ice Cube has been taking shape on Millennium Square. The finished attraction looks fantastic and without doubt the snow slide is going to well worth watching in its own right.
“We think people are going to really enjoy this year’s Ice Cube so together with our event partners 105 Capital FM and the Yorkshire Evening Post we look forward to seeing lots of people coming down to Millennium Square and having a great time.”
105 Capital FM breakfast show presenter JoJo show said:
“We are really excited about partnering the Ice Cube and with the new Capital FM Snow Slide there’s now something for those who can’t skate either.
“I for one am very excited about getting my skates on, and I can’t wait to chuck the boys down the slide. Danny and I will be there this Friday at the 6:30pm and 7:15pm sessions so make sure you come along and say hi!”
For full information including pricing and timetables for all the attractions at Ice Cube 2012, visit www.leeds.gov.uk/icecube
ENDS
For media enquiries please contact:
Roger Boyde, Senior communications officer,
Leeds City Council, Tel 0113 247 5472
Email: roger.boyde@leeds.gov.uk
