Manchester's biggest ever festive outdoor ice rink opens as part of Christmas Markets

Manchester's Christmas Markets have arrived which means one thing - it's time to get your skates on.

Fresh from hosting Scare Skate for Halloween, Skate Manchester has now been transformed for the festive season and will stay in Cathedral Gardens until January.

The M.E.N's Manchester Family was at Thursday's launch evening - the day the markets opened for the festive season - to see the new rink unveiled.

Read more: Manchester Christmas Markets 2022 locations, dates, times and everything you need to know

Seven-year-old Lewis Thompson, from Burnley, skates around the Christmas tree (Manchester Family / MEN)

Covering 813 sqm, it's bigger than previous years and features a 'dazzling' seven-metre tall Christmas tree, which visitors can skate around on a custom made ice path.

Among those taking to the ice were seven-year-old Lewis Thompson, from Burnley, using one of the penguins that youngsters can get for extra support.

Councillor Pat Karney, who has a big part to play in making the markets happen each year, was also there giving his support to the rink and having a go on the ice himself.

The rink is open until January 2 (Manchester Family / MEN)

Rob Derry, managing director, ice and special events at Arena, which coordinates the event, said: “Christmas is always a spectacular time in Manchester, and we’re thrilled to be part of the city’s festive celebrations.

"In the beautiful setting of Cathedral Gardens, Skate Manchester offers an exciting and unique activity that will bring all of the family together.”

Tickets for Skate Manchester start from £14.50 for adults and £12.50 for children, with discounted family, group bookings and season tickets also available. Skate aids cost an additional £5 each.

Students can receive 20% off with the code STUDENT and keyworkers can receive 30% off with code KEYWORKER. Both discount codes are available Monday to Thursday up to December 15.

It's open daily until January 2, except for Christmas Day. Visit the website here to book.

Read more of today's top stories here

READ NEXT:

• 'I filled a Christmas stocking with Primark gifts for less than £15'

• Cadbury fans find a very big problem with new Dairy Milk advent calendar

• Mum branded 'ignorant' after complaining of being 'the only white family' at soft play centre

• I drove 130 miles around Asda stores in search of KSI and Logan Paul's Prime drink

• I'm A Celebrity Jungle Challenge attraction closes down 15 months after opening