New location announced for festive ice rink and Nordic Bar

It may still only be summer, but Derby City Council and the Cathedral Quarter Business Improvement District have already announced plans for the festive season.

As part of the 2024 Festive Derby celebrations the Cathedral Quarter Ice Rink will return this Christmas – and tickets are on sale now.

The undercover ice rink was a popular attraction for all ages during the 2023 festive season, with more than 12,000 people donning their skates.

This year, the rink will be located at Cathedral Green, and the Nordic Bar will also be back alongside it from 30 November until New Year’s Eve.

Skaters and spectators will be able to enjoy views of the river, Derby Cathedral and Derby Museums’ Museum of Making.

The eye-catching tipis of the Nordic Bar will be returning next to the ice rink, thanks to Sami Tipi and Mambo Bars.

Visitors will be able to head in from the cold and take in the stunning festive foliage arrangements, disco balls and twinkling lights as they take a cosy seat by the firepit.

Councillor Nadine Peatfield, leader of Derby City Council, said: “The Cathedral Quarter Ice Rink has become a well-loved fixture of Christmas in Derby and it’ll be exciting to see it return in this stunning new location.

“This year’s Festive Derby is shaping up to be another one to remember and we can’t wait to welcome everyone into the city centre to enjoy it.”

The Nordic Bar will host a programme of entertainment including live music, children’s entertainment, quiz nights and more.

Jodie Bidder, co-founder of Sami Tipi, said: “We were absolutely blown away by the warm embrace from everyone in Derby last year.

“We’re thrilled to be back, bringing our tipis for another season of magic.”

Brad Worley, manager for the Cathedral Quarter BID, said: “We’re thrilled to be sponsoring the Cathedral Quarter Ice Rink once again, in partnership with Derby City Council.

“We’re looking forward to welcoming everyone to Cathedral Green to enjoy a magical Christmas experience.”

For more information and to book tickets visit https://www.derbylive.co.uk/whats-on/cathedral-quarter-ice-rink-2024/.