Peterborough City Council has confirmed an open-air ice rink is planned for the festive period this year. They say the decision was taken after considering public views from last year.

Preparations for the ice rink on Cathedral Square will follow the Christmas lights switch-on in November, with an opening date of December 1.

It will operate between Monday to Saturday from 10am to 10pm and until 9pm on Sundays.

There will be an enclosed area for skaters to put on their boots.

There will also be a chance to ‘skate with santa’ on Christmas Eve, and a New Year's Eve package comprising of skating and dining.

The rink will once again be assembled by Dash Event Limited after a successful run last year which saw more than 9,000 people take to the ice.

Managing director ShirleyAnn Mould said: “We are all very excited here at Dash to bring the rink back, this year with a covered boot changing room.

“We had a great response last year with positive feedback, and once again we will be working with charities in the area and employing local people to staff the rink.”

Cllr Marco Cereste, cabinet member for growth and regeneration at the council, said: “We are delighted that the rink is returning, and it will no doubt be a spectacular addition to the city scene for the Christmas period.

“We’re sure that those who enjoyed it last year will return and those who fancy a new fun activity will give it a spin.”

Cllr Steve Allen, Peterborough City Council deputy leader, said: “The people of Peterborough enjoyed the rink last year but we have listened to them to make the Christmas experience even better in an open-air setting.

“We hope people will build a trip on the ice with shopping in the city centre to pick up their Christmas goodies.”

Tickets will be available soon via Gigantic, with discounts for group bookings.

For more information on promotion and sponsorship visit here or email shirleyann@dasheventslimited.co.uk