An 'enchanting ice skating experience' is promised at TraffordCity's Barton Square with the launch of an Unreal Xmas event.
Set over two floors, visitors are promised 'a sensory journey through an enchanted Christmas world' featuring a Christmas village, markets and 'a breathtaking ice skating experience through a captivating forest and snow covered world'.
Two custom-built bars will allow visitors to take in the 'magical' atmosphere and watch family and friends skate, while a skate-up bar will be available for festive refreshments ice-side.
The brainchild of immersive event specialist OOBE Global Group, it is the first time that a festive experience of this scale has been hosted at TraffordCity and will run from December 3 until January 3.
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The £150,000 installation will combine lighting, visuals and 'stunning scenography', transforming Barton Square for the month-long extravaganza which is 'designed to bridge the gap between fantasy and Christmas tradition'.
Paolo Gaddari, OOBE Group’s managing director, said: “Unreal Xmas will bring something truly spectacular to TraffordCity this Christmas. Our aim is to surprise and delight visitors at every turn - a place where lighting, visuals and sets are tools to create an immersive multi-dimensional experience - transporting them to the ultimate festive fantasy world and to give them a day out to remember.
"This magical winter wonderland has been created with visitors young and old in mind. Featuring the sights, sounds and smells of Christmas.”
He added: "Our carefully curated markets will feature the best of the UK’s artisan makers, whilst our enchanting ice skating experience will wind skaters through a multi-sensory snow-capped forest.
"With less than a month to go before we open our doors, we are encouraging people to buy their tickets for the enchanting ice skating experience to avoid disappointment. And for any makers and artisan traders interested in being part of our Christmas markets – a few remaining slots remain so get in touch now to be part of this unforgettable experience.”
Mark Whittaker, executive director of Peel L&P, owners of Barton Square, said: "We are very excited to be bringing this festive extravaganza to TraffordCity. The plans are outstanding and will certainly appeal to all ages.
"Following the success of our August bank holiday and more recent October half term activations, we are looking forward to welcoming returning and new customers to experience our unique month-long festivities.”
Barton Square is situated in TraffordCity and linked via a bridge from The Trafford Centre, which will have its own ice rink as part of its Tinsel Town event this Christmas.
Unreal Xmas' Christmas village and markets, featuring a selection of artisan crafts, food and drink offerings, will be present and the market is free to enter. Open Monday to Friday from 10am to 10pm, Saturday from 10am to 9pm and Sunday from noon to 6pm.
Ice skating slots, lasting 45 minutes, cost £13 for seniors and children aged three to 12, £15 for 13 plus, or £40 for a family. Tickets can be booked on site and pre-booked via the website here, where you can also get more information on the event.
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