The opening of Sunderland’s annual ice rink was set to take place Tuesday 27, but due to the drop in weather, Keel Square festivities began with a slippery start.
As the temperature plummeted, the ice hadn’t frozen correctly and therefore would be weakened if opened too early.
Around the Christmas season, Sunderland city centre is thriving, with the public attending the Christmas markets, Hadrian’s tipi, and the fair rides.
Jan Eskildsen, Director of Ice Sunderland Limited said: “We’re hoping to open at the weekend. We have had a larger chiller and a bigger generator delivered today to help quicken the open.”

Photo credit: Victoria Cummings
See the video below of the pop-up Christmas ice rink in Sunderland, which is now open for business.