On Sunday I was very kindly invited to the launch of the Liverpool Christmas Ice Festival and it was the perfect way to kick off the festive season. Situated on the Pier Head, just in front of the famous Liver Building, the Ice Festival transports you into a frozen Winter Wonderland.
Returning for the third year, the Ice Festival is home to a spectacular covered Ice Rink, the UK's largest Ice Slide, an array of attractions (including the Ice Jet) and pop-up food and drink stalls selling everything from chocolate covered waffles to hot mulled wine.
Seriously, what's not to love?
We started our evening with a complimentary skate around the all-weather ice rink. Accompanied by the best music from Capital, it costs £12 for 45 minutes on the rink which is decent, if you ask me. As we tightened our skates, I watched people effortlessly glide around, making skating look so easy and graceful. How hard could it be?
It's hard, really really hard.
Let's just say that ice skating and I don't go very well together. I was clinging onto the sides for dear life, much to the enjoyment of Caroline who found the whole thing hilarious as she skated around with no help at all. Thanks to her helping hand, I made it around the rink twice and let go of the side for a whole thirty seconds. I don't think we've ever laughed so much!
Although ice skating wasn't my favourite experience, the 45 minutes flew by and before we knew it, our time was up. The ice rink is suitable for all ages and abilities, with penguin skate aids available to rent for the kids (and some adults). However, if you're not too keen on the idea of putting your skates on, there's a viewing area for spectators to enjoy the view of novice skaters (like myself) falling over for your entertainment.
After my skating disaster, we wandered around the Christmas markets and watched as people braved the famous Ice Jet ride, the only one of its kind in the UK. We weren't brave enough to take the challenge, so we stood with some hot chocolate and watched as people were flipped upside down and spun around. Maybe I'll brave it next year.
If you're not a thrill-seeker, you'll be able to enjoy some family-friendly funfair rides or sit and listen to your favourite Christmas hits with a glass of mulled wine. I know I'd rather be spinning on the teacups, thank you very much.
If you're planning on seeing what the Ice Festival has to offer, I'd highly recommend visiting in the evening as it looks incredibly festive and magical with all the lights. Just make sure you wrap up warm as it's chilly down at the docks (we found that out the hard way).
The Ice Festival launched on the 10th November and will be running throughout Christmas and New Year until January 6th. It's the perfect event to get the whole family in the festive spirit. A HUGE thank you to the Ice Festival for inviting us to spend the day with them, we really had the best time. You can find out more information here.
Lots of love,
Meg
xxx
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