By: Cardiff county council
If you go down to City Hall next week, you're sure for a big surprise! If you go down to City Hall next week, you won't believe your eyes………
………..because Monday heralds the starts of construction on the capital's coolest attraction this season as Cardiff's Winter Wonderland returns to the city for a sixth year.
As the icy weather creeps ever closer, things are about to get even icier at City Hall lawn when, starting on October 30, 130,000 litres of water will be frozen and transformed into the bmibaby open-air ice rink ahead of opening night of Thursday November 16.
The equivalent of two million ice cubes will form the 880m2 ice pad that has been used by over a quarter of a million skaters over the past five years and which forms the centre-piece of Cardiff's Winter Wonderland which runs until January 7.
There are also plenty of other attractions off the ice for all the family including the ice café bar, heated terrace overlooking the rink, traditional children's carousel and rides, Big Wheel and free festive entertainment.
Some 100 Christmas trees will be dotted around the site while around 15,000 colourful lightbulbs will illuminate the area helping to create that magical, festive atmosphere.
Santa's Grotto is a new attraction this year. The grotto is a 50ft tree-shaped structure, open from November 16 to Christmas Eve, where children and families can visit the man himself and receive a small gift. Entry charge is £5.50 per child.
Executive Member for Leisure, Culture and Sport, Cllr Nigel Howells, said: "The people of Cardiff will be able to see Winter Wonderland taking shape quickly over the next week or so and I'm sure the excitement will build as the opening night of the bmi open air rink gets ever closer.
"Cardiff's Winter Wonderland has been a hugely popular attraction for the city, and indeed the region, since it arrived and the Council is delighted it's back for a sixth year.
"It adds a real sparkle to festivities in the heart of the city and provides wonderful entertainment, both on and off the ice, for everyone."
Marketing Director of bmibaby, sponsors of the open air ice rink, David Hodge, said: "It's great to be involved with the hugely successful Cardiff's Winter Wonderland for the fourth successive year. This year sees the introduction of a new attraction 'Santa's Grotto' which in tandem with the bmibaby open air ice rink is a magical must for all young families.
"We are really looking forward to the opening night on 16th November 2006 and hope everyone can come along for a great evening."
Tickets for skating at Cardiff's Winter Wonderland can be purchased from Ticketline on 029 20 230 130. Book in advance to avoid disappointment.
For more information on Cardiff's Winter Wonderland and entertainment listings visit www.cardiffswinterwonderland.com or call Connect 2 Cardiff on 029 2087 2087 / 8(Cym.)
