CARDIFF, U.K. – 11th Hour supplied Turnkey Solution for the ice rink at Cardiff’s Winter Wonderland seasonal attraction.
More details from 11th Hour (www.11th-hour.com):
Cardiff based events specialist 11th Hour is beginning preparations for another busy winter season which begins on November 9th with the opening of its flagship ice rink in the centre of the city. The rink is part of Winter Wonderland, Cardiff’s premier seasonal attraction, which is presented by Sayers Amusements, running for 9 weeks and boasting an extensive fairground with big wheel, rides, stalls and an authentic alpine village, complete with Bier Keller. Last year, a record-breaking 60,000 people attended the rink and as a consequence of such huge demand, this year’s rink will be the largest to date, accommodating up to 290 skaters. The increased capacity of the rink is expected to see even higher attendances at this exceptional facility.
The 11th Hour team is entirely responsible for every aspect of constructing, maintaining, managing and staffing the rink, which is once again sponsored by Cardiff-based car insurance giants Admiral. A ClearSpan covering structure, capable of withstanding storm-force winds (closure is only necessary if wind speeds exceed 80mph) not only ensures that it remains open for all sessions but that ice temperature is more easily maintained at a constant temperature within the microclimate created.
11th Hour Director John Davies comments on a turnkey solution:
“Since last year, we’ve added two new 100kVA generators to our fleet, enabling us to eliminate the need for sub-contractors, which gives us complete control over power to the site, increasing efficiency and further reducing the event’s carbon footprint. The lighting of the rink employs more than 4000 energy efficient LED lamps – in line once again with a commitment to green values.”
“We run the box office for the event and supply all the operational staff for the rink, ensuring that ice-marshals are trained to the highest standards. We believe that service is enhanced by virtue of the fact that customers deal with dedicated 11th Hour staff in every aspect of their experience. It’s a pretty comprehensive and challenging undertaking but project management on this scale is part and parcel of what we deliver on a regular basis across a broad spectrum of large events.”
Feedback from last year’s event has led 11th Hour to introduce accessibility sessions in order to make sure that the widest possible range of customers can
enjoy the ice. Dedicated access sessions are unique to Cardiff’s timetable, as John Davies explains:
“It’s important to us that everyone in the community can join in the fun, so the introduction of dedicated accessibility sessions widens our scope. We’ve consulted carefully over the most effective way of meeting the needs of the widest constituency possible and so during these periods lighting will remain static, amplified sound level will be reduced and the rink’s capacity will be decreased to allow those in need of extra support to enjoy their experience to the full.”
The economic advantages to Cardiff of Winter Wonderland and its hugely popular ice rink are of significant benefit during a very important trading period. As 11th Hour has played a greater role in its development, footfall has risen year on year and the event has established itself as an essential ‘must-do’ in the region’s seasonal calendar. 2017/18 promises to be the biggest and best yet.
For more information visit http://www.cardiffswinterwonderland.com or visit www.11thhour.com or contact us 029 2079 4444 or [email protected]
