An ice-cool reception is guaranteed at one of the hottest attractions in the city in the build-up to Christmas, following the return of a popular crowd-pleaser.
The Liverpool Ice Festival has opened at the Pier Head, with the Liver Building forming a backdrop to a skating rink, fairground rides, Ferris Wheel, plus chill-out areas with food and drink stalls.
This year, a super-sized triple-lane slide has been placed right in the centre of all the action as the 30-metre monster allows racers to speed down from high above the festival action.
YouTube: Shaniece Thompson
The penguin-assisted ice rink has also been expanded by almost a third this year, with organisers confident it will be a big hit.
Liverpool Ice Festival representative, Georgia Morgan, told JMU Journalism: “It has something for everyone, whether you want to skate – it’s a big rink which has plenty of space, so it suits everyone from beginner to expert – go on the ice slide, or the rides.
“It’s a destination day out because there’s so much to do. The real ice bar, with its fabulous ice sculptures, is a must-see, and it’s in such an iconic location, so it doesn’t just get visitors from the city. People travel from much further to experience it, so it brings money into the wider economy too.”
Ms Morgan added: “We’re always looking at ways to make the Ice Festival experience even better for visitors. Next year we want to bring a Christmas market that rivals Manchester to Liverpool with up to 200 stalls that will connect right up to the Echo Arena.”