Coventry Glide to still go ahead under Tier 3

Updated 1st December: Coventry Glides – an ice rink in the ruins of Coventry Cathedral – will go ahead under Tier 3 Covid-19 restrictions, in line with national regulations.

It means that, up until the possible revision of the Tier system on 16 December, the event will now only admit audiences from Coventry, Warwickshire, and Solihull. People from outside of these areas who have already booked tickets for dates before 16 December will be contacted for a full refund.

The Coventry City of Culture Trust will continue to review government restrictions throughout the duration of the event and will adjust these measures accordingly.

Martin Sutherland, Chief Executive of Coventry City of Culture Trust, said: “We are glad that Coventry Glides can go ahead, and have been working with our partners across the city and Public Health to make sure the event is safe for audiences and staff.

“Of course, the adjustments we’ve made will mean some people can no longer participate at this time, but we’re continuing to monitor the situation and will review our approach in advance of the next announcement from government on 16 December.”

Previously it was hoped that  Coventry Glides – a magical ice rink in the ruins of Coventry Cathedral – would still go ahead as planned opening in December after the Government’s November national lockdown announcement, but now due to Tier 3 restrictions only people from Coventry, Warwickshire, and Solihull can attend.

The ice-skating rink is being created in partnership with Coventry Business Improvement District (BID), Coventry Cathedral and with support from Coventry City Council.

Scheduled to open on Friday 4 December, with the ice rink remaining open for an additional week, until 10 January 2021. Tickets, priced from £5, will go on sale on Friday 13 November and will be available to purchase from coventry2021.co.uk.

The rink has been planned with Covid safety measures in mind, including timed slots for skaters, reduced skater capacity, mandatory facemasks for all skaters – except for those who are exempt – and cleaning in between skating session.

A spokesperson from Coventry City of Culture Trust said: “We had a great reaction to the announcement of Coventry Glides, and it is clear it will be a popular outdoor attraction.

“Last weekend’s announcement means that we have had to amend our plans. We currently plan to open on 4 December after lockdown is lifted, but we will keep monitoring Government advice and will communicate any changes should they occur.

“Our visitors’ safety is our number one priority and we have measures in place to ensure guests can stay safe and still have fun. We will continue to review these, alongside latest government advice, in the build-up to the ice rink’s opening.”

Visit coventry2021.co.uk/Coventry-Glides to find out more.