Perfect weather for city’s popular ice trail
This is without doubt the biggest project we have ever undertaken. Mat Foster, creative director at Glacial Art.
MORE THAN 40 glittering ice sculptures could be spotted on York’s historic streets this weekend following the return of the UK’s biggest outdoor ice trail.
The brainchild of Make It York, the trail came to the city for the first time in December 2015 and has been hugely popular with visitors and residents.
This year’s 45 icy creations, which were sponsored by York businesses, included everything from a Lego Batman on Walmgate, to the Night King from
Game of Thrones on Blake Street and Garfield at the Cat Gallery on Low Petergate.
Sally Greenaway, head of tourism body Visit York, which is part of Make it York, said: “There have been some fantastic designs this year. This is the largest outdoor ice sculpture trail in the UK and we’re really proud York’s businesses have got behind it to showcase the beautiful city of York at its most festive.”
Live carving sessions in St Helen’s Square also offered the chance to see the skill behind the designs and a highlight on the trail was The Mighty Viking, provided by Hungate York Regeneration, which, at two metres tall, was one of the largest sculptures.
For the first time this year the Monks Cross and Vangarde shopping parks area was included, offering visitors the chance to explore more of York by using the park and ride to travel into the city.
Meanwhile, Castle Howard’s cherub which could be found at Low Petergate heralded its ‘Angels on High’ decorative theme.
Mat Foster, creative director at Glacial Art, said: “This is without doubt the biggest project we have ever undertaken, with over ten tonnes of hand-carved ice.”