Organisers of much-loved winter festival, Elfingrove, have announced that it will be making a return for 2022 and it will also be bringing more fun additions. Events firm itison, who are also behind GlasGLOW, will be bringing a brand-new fully outdoors show taking place along the banks of the River Kelvin and transforming the grounds of Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum. Elfingrove will also be intruducing a first ever Snow Wheel along with the biggest ice rink in the UK.
The event last ran in 2021, drawing in over 100,000 visitors and it was cancelled in 2020 due to the pandemic. The details of this year’s show are a well-guarded secret, however, one detail that has been released is the creation of Scotland’s largest outdoor ice-skating experience inspired by the Rockefeller ice rink, designed by a world class team behind the likes of ITV’s Dancing on Ice. Accompanying the UK’s biggest ice rink will be the first ever snow wheel that will be making its debut this year.
The Snow Wheel will take visitors up to the air for some festive views from up above, with some Christmas tunes and actual snow falling around you. Moreover, there will be a toddler ice rink for the little believers and Skate Side Dining where guests will be able to dine with a unique ice rink view. A Silent Snow Disco with candy is also a clear highlight where all things candy meets sugar rushed dancing.
After all the festive fun, visitors can relax in the Apres Skate Bar, where a grilled brie cheese sandwich or a pulled turkey gourmet hot dog will replenish the body. While most people enjoy lots of fun and noise, Relaxed Sessions at Elfingrove will welcome neurodivergent people and anyone with special needs to help enjoy some quiet, uninterrupted fun. The sound and light will be adjusted to an ambient level and the sessions will run at a reduced capacity to allow visitors plenty of space.
Oli Norman, CEO of itison and event creator, said: “We firmly believe though that people need things to look forward to – the darker nights, cold weather and uncertain economic and political climate have a heavy impact on our emotional and mental well-being. These events light up our city and bring people together creating joyful experiences – making them all the more important.”
“Over the past two years, the event sector has been decimated by Covid – now we’re facing soaring supply chain costs, the cost-of-living crisis and the steepest energy hikes we’ve seen in our lifetime. We’re making a significant investment in the return of Elfingrove, creating over 150 jobs in the industry but, most importantly, aiming to create a spectacular show for locals and visitors alike that make us proud to live where we call home.”
“The itison Pumpkin Fund, created in 2019, will also return for 2022 – and will be donating 1000 free tickets to good causes around the city to help those who might not be able to attend otherwise, and funding a capital project in the local area.”
You can get your tickets here from September 29.