Winter Wonderland ice skating rink opens in Leicester city centre

This month, Jubilee Square in Leicester’s city centre is more lit up than usual, as it is the home of the city’s yearly Winter Wonderland celebrations.

Next to the ferris wheel reigning over Leicester’s skyline is a tent including a small restaurant, seating areas and an ice skating rink.

This is the only time of year Leicester has an ice skating rink. Ice skaters have the opportunity to practise the sport in their home city, rather than having to travel to Nottingham, Peterborough or Coventry, where the closest permanent skating rinks are located.

The Jubilee Square in Leicester, where the Winter Wonderland takes place every year

Tashi Tuturu is one of the amateur skaters who bought tickets to the skating rink. She experienced the rink with her fellow DMU international exchange student roommates last Thursday afternoon.

“I liked it! It was my first time skating so there’s obviously a lot to learn.”

Many changes come this year for the rink, with a notable one being related to ticket pricing.

This year, super off-peak pricing was introduced. This new feature is something Tashi appreciated.

“Not everybody can afford to pay the full price during peak hours. It gives chances for those who might not have enough money to afford expensive tickets.”

On weekdays from 10 am to 4 pm, skaters can rent skates and experience the rink for the combined price of only £5.

At all other times on weekdays and all day on weekends, prices for adults go up to £12. Night time includes a DJ who plays music in the middle of the ice rink, alongside flashing lights and a cozy Christmas atmosphere for all to celebrate.

While the rink will not operate on Christmas Day, it will be open on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve. Another first this year is that the skating rink will be open on New Year’s Day. It runs until January 2.

The city council-run festival aims to leave its skaters satisfied with the rink this year, which new skating enthusiast Tashi agreed with.

“It’s sad that it’s only during the winter,” she added.

Getting ready: Tashi Tukuru fits her skates.

Having fun: Tashi with her student friends