Bid to make Lancashire winter ice rink a permanent yearly attraction

Applicants behind "Lancaster on Ice" are seeking permission for the seasonal attraction to continue operating in Dalton Square between mid-November and early January.

The ice rink, first introduced in 2018, has already run for several years under temporary permissions, but planners have now been asked to approve it on an ongoing seasonal basis.

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Major attraction in city centre

The proposal includes a temporary ice rink, market stalls, food and drink areas, a skate hire tent and the option of an observation wheel.

The attraction would operate for around six weeks each winter, with opening hours of 10am to 10pm daily.

Documents submitted with the application highlight its popularity, with around 90,000 visitors attending during the 2024–25 season, including 35,000 skaters.

The developers say the event has become a key part of the city’s festive offering, bringing people into Lancaster and supporting local businesses.

Planning papers state: "Lancaster-on-Ice has been an immense success and drawn large numbers of tourists and residents to the city centre."

Economic and community benefits

The application argues the attraction delivers significant economic and social benefits.

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Organisers say it has worked with dozens of local businesses, university groups and charities, as well as running sessions for schools and community organisations.

They also warn that without a new approval, the event cannot continue, as its previous permission expired in January.

The documents state: "Closure of the event would have a huge impact on the local economy."

Heritage and conservation concerns

The site sits in Dalton Square, a designated conservation area, and includes the Grade II listed Queen Victoria monument and surrounding listed balustrades.

Because of this, the plans include detailed measures to protect heritage features during installation and operation.

A Construction Method Statement says protective barriers and fencing would be used to safeguard the monument and surrounding structures.

Developers argue the impact is limited because the installation is temporary.

The Heritage Statement concludes the scheme "is of a temporary nature and should not lead to any lasting damage to the square or the listed structure."

What visitors are saying

The attraction holds a 4.4 rating on TripAdvisor, with many visitors praising the atmosphere and family-friendly experience.

One reviewer said: "I honestly had the most amazing time at the Christmas market, and the staff in the tipi were really friendly and welcoming.

"Will definitely be coming back again!"

Another described it as a festive highlight, adding: "Beautiful setting, great atmosphere and lots of fun, from ice-skating to a ride on a Ferris wheel to toasting marshmallows around a fire in the tippee.

"It’s quite clear to see the time and effort that is put into this experience.”

A third wrote: "Easy to book, really good fun and not too bus.

"Great when you've got two nervous kids!"

Measures to protect trees

The scheme also includes measures to protect trees in the square, which contains several mature lime trees and other planting.

An Arboricultural Method Statement says construction will largely be carried out by hand, with protective fencing and ground mats used to avoid damage to roots and trunks.

It states the ice rink will sit above the ground on a raised frame, avoiding excavation or lasting impact on the site.

What happens next

Lancaster City Council will now consider the application.

If approved, the move would allow the ice rink and associated attractions to return every winter without the need for repeated temporary planning permissions.