With just days to go until LegenDerry on Ice is opened to the public at Ebrington in Derry, Ilex Urban Regeneration Company has revealed some interesting facts and figures about the first real ice rink to come to the city.
Almost ready – Lengederry on Ice at Ebrington.
:: It takes five working days to assemble the marquee, with numerous lorry loads of steel support beams, 12,000 SQ ft of flooring and 80 tons of concrete blocks.
:: A further seven days is needed for the building of the ice rink, including almost seven miles of aluminium tubing to be laid, with 40,000 litres of water frozen to form the six inch layer of ice.
Ilex’s interim chief executive Mel Higgins said Ilex was thrilled to host the new attraction at Ebrington which opens at 4.00pm this Thursday and runs until 19 January.
He added: “We can already see the sheer size of the ice rink, measuring 25 metres by 45 metres, it takes up a quarter of Ebrington Square.
“This is a fantastic addition to our shared space, and shows just how important Ebrington Square has been for the city, not only for the Christmas season, but for the entire year. The ice rink will see visitors to Ebrington exceed 300,000 by the end of 2013.”
LegenDerry on Ice’s Brian Magee added they were delighted to come to the city
He added: “The welcome we have received has been fantastic. LegenDerry on Ice will present a top class skating experience for people of all ages, and has dedicated the first two sessions during the peak days to families with small children – so come early and have some fun!
“We have a huge festive marquee on Ebrington Square, so everyone can get into the Christmas spirit as they skate, with a lasting memory of a day out at the rink.”
Foyle Hospice, the partner charity for the event, expressed their delight.
A spokesperson said: “We are thrilled to be on board as charity partner with LegenDerry on Ice. This will be a fantastic event and a great addition to the Christmas and New Year festivities in the city.”
The ice rink opens at 4.00pm this Thursday. For further information or to book call 028 71620002 or go to www.legenderryonice.com.
