Nottingham’s Winter Wonderland will return this Christmas, with exciting new improvements – including a new ice rink and boot room, plus a bar made of real ice.
The Winter Wonderland will open on Saturday 19 November and run until Sunday 8 January with a brand new sponsor, NET Trams. The preparations for the event will take place from Monday 31 October with work starting on Smithy Row and in the Square to build the Winter Wonderland.
The NET Winter Wonderland is built and operated by Mellors Group Events, in association with Nottingham City Council. Media partners for the 2016 Winter Wonderland include Notts TV and Capital FM.
A new improved 30m x 25m ice rink will debut for 2016, with an improved cooling system. A brand new alpine ski lodge boot room will also add to the atmosphere and look of the event. Visitors can book ice skating slots now at www.nottinghamwinterwonderland.co.uk
The star feature for 2016 is the new Ice Bar. Following in the footsteps of world famous ice bars in Sweden and Finland, Mellors Group will bring an ice bar experience to the heart of Nottingham. Visitors will be able to enjoy a drink in sub-zero temperatures, all while wrapped up warm in supplied thermals coat and gloves.
Tickets for the Ice Bar will go on sale this week, with a 25 minute visit to the Ice Bar set to cost £9.50 for an adult, £7.50 for a child and £30 for a family. Ticket prices include two drinks.
The Old Market Square will be covered in lights and decorations, as well as the traditional festive market which will offer a broad range of gifts and food and drink. Six rides for children – more than ever before – will complete the fantastic offer for families.
The Christmas Lights Switch On will take place on Thursday 24 November.
The Lord Mayor and Sheriff of Nottingham will turn on the Christmas Lights, along with Robin Hood and another guest to be announced.
Councillor Dave Trimble, Portfolio Holder for Leisure and Culture at Nottingham City Council, said: “Nottingham City Council is delighted to work with Mellors Group to bring this event to Nottingham at no cost to the taxpayer.
“I’m sure that the even better Winter Wonderland will attract record numbers of visitors to the city, giving local shops and restaurants a huge boost this festive season. We’re also very pleased to have NET on board as a sponsor.”
Lee Clarke, Events Manager at Mellors Events, said: ‘We are delighted to be working with Nottingham City Council again for the next five years after winning the contract. We want to put Nottingham on the map and make it a top tourist attraction for people all over the UK to come and visit.
“This year, we are excited to deliver the East Midlands’ first ever ice bar. There will be ice walls, ice sculptures, the bar servery will be made of ice and you can drink from a cup made of ice!
“We are delighted to have NET as our sponsor, and we also look forward to working with our media partners Capital FM and Notts TV on a fantastic Winter Wonderland.”
Stephanie Moss-Pearce, Assistant Marketing Manager at NET, said: “The Winter Wonderland is one of the most anticipated events on the city’s annual calendar attracting thousands of people to Nottingham each year and we’re delighted to help support it alongside the City Council.
“With travel offers, free park & ride sites, cross-city services from every seven minutes and a tram stop directly on the event’s doorstep, our network provides the best way of beating the traffic and getting to Old Market Square to join in the festivities.”