Christmas is almost upon us and the city has been adorned with festive lights and events for the last few weeks.
From glistening decorations to markets, light trails and businesses across the region putting on seasonal things to do for all the family, there's still time to enjoy all things Christmas before we head into 2024. But over a decade ago, many will remember when something unique came to the city centre for the festive season.
It's now been 15 years since St George’s Hall welcomed a' grand ice rink' in time for Christmas. On December 5, 2007, the ECHO reported how the Great Hall, restored at huge expense over the five years prior, would house a 144- square metre rink.
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Welcoming up to 50 visitors at a time to skate inside the city’s Grade I listed heritage jewel, the event came at the same year the building was reopened by King Charles. The rink was made of a synthetic material sprayed to look like ice to prevent damaging the Great Hall’s ornate floor.
Skaters will remember gliding across the floor to the sounds of festive music or enjoying a mulled wine or hot chocolate. Liverpool’s Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress Paul and Hilary Clark were among the first to strap on their skates.
At the time, Cllr Clark said: "The ice rink will bring the Great Hall alive, attracting people inside and giving them a chance to take a break from last-minute Christmas shopping and get into the festive mood in a safe environment. The lady mayoress and I are very much looking forward to putting on our skates, going for a spin and gliding our way to Capital of Culture year."
Culture officials at the time said the attraction was a prime example of how they hoped to make the most of Liverpool’s unique heritage during 2008. Deputy chairman of the Culture Company and council leader Warren Bradley said: "St George’s Hall is the jewel in Liverpool’s architectural crown, and we really want as many people as possible to enjoy its splendour.
"The indoor ice rink illustrates how one of the city’s most iconic buildings can be used in a really imaginative way. During 2008 we will be programming a variety of exciting events so the people of Liverpool can enjoy this amazing space and the great facilities it has to offer."
At the time, the idea was well-received by Liverpudlians, with one person saying "they'd give anything to go once." At the time, Maureen Spackman, from Sandbach, said: "It seems like a jolly good idea. I might bring my grandchildren. The kids can go on the ice and we can drink the mulled wine! I might even skate too – I’d give anything a go once."
Dinesh Allirajah, from Allerton, said: "Other cities like Manchester have got similar things. I’ve got a six-year-old boy, and when he hears about it, he’ll want to come along. I think the more stuff there is to do in the city centre the better."
Does this awaken any memories for you? Let us know in the comments section below.
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And Luke Middhurst, from Aintree, said: "I probably would go. I think it’s a good idea and it goes hand in hand with Liverpool being the Capital of Culture in 2008."
Images from the time show skaters getting into the festive spirit in St George's Hall on December 21, 2007. Many will remember heading there before the new year and soaking up the beauty of the Grand Hall which at the time hadn't been seen for some time by the public.
The ice rink was also open the following year, but at a new location on site. After proving a big hit, the temporary rink, measuring 12 metres by 12 metres, returned but was built outside on the plateau.
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