A HUGE outdoor ice rink will offer Chester visitors a cool way of celebrating Christmas this year.
A 'winter wonderland' atmosphere is promised for the 660 square metre rink in Grosvenor Park for more than four weeks over Christmas.
There will also be a specially constructed ice bar, European market and a working toy shop with Father Christmas and his helpers.
Keith Whelan, 24, who is instigating the project believes tourists, shopper and day-trippers will welcome the city's new festive asset.
He said: 'I've taken my inspiration from many places, tastes, sights and sounds - from New York's Central Park on a snowy evening to best-selling films such as A Christmas Carol, Home Alone and The Snowman.'
Mr Whelan has lived in Chester for the last three years and is the MD of RSVP Events Management Ltd.
He has been working in partnership with Chester City Council to bring the attraction to the city.
Mr Whelan said: 'I have always loved Chester and feel that the ancient buildings and architecture make it the prime
picturesque location for this event. Just walking through the town during the last few weeks of December makes you feel festive.
'There's a definite ambience here which gives people that warm, Christmassy glow inside.'
Furniture in the ice bar will be sculpted by Duncan Hamilton who produced sets for the James Bond film Die Another Day and Snow Business - a company that specialises in winter effects for film and television - will cover areas of the park with snow.
Mr Whelan is hoping that the event which runs from Thursday, December 1, to Sunday, January 8, will attract more visitors to the city.
A spokesman for Chester and Warrington Tourist Board said: 'We are very excited about the concept of Chester on Ice, it will be a unique attraction.'
