Organiser beats cash crisis as deal is struck for Capital's ice rink

Published on Tuesday 13 October 2009 10:05

SKATING on the ice rink in Princes Street Gardens has become one of the iconic images of Edinburgh's festive celebrations.

The UK's biggest open-air rink has become a fixture of the city's Winter Wonderland over the past 11 years.

But its appearance this year has been hanging in the balance after a cash crisis led to fears organiser Karen Koren would be forced to quit.

But today she announced a deal has been struck to secure its return, as part of a new line-up for the celebrations.

A toddler funfair will replace the Spiegeltent venue beside the ice rink this year, after the popular Fringe venue was dogged by poor ticket sales on its festive debut last year.

The popular big wheel, Christmas village and programme of entertainment on Market Street will also return.

Ms Koren, founder of the Gilded Balloon and one of the Fringe's best known events promoters, said: "Edinburgh at Christmas wouldn't be right without the ice rink.

"It is central to everything that is going on. It's such a great family activity and great to see families coming out, getting some fresh air and enjoying the exercise.

"Edinburgh is such a beautiful natural city and skating underneath the Castle is lovely. It makes you feel so Christmassy, with the big wheel above you. I'm delighted that we will be bringing it back again."

Fears for the future of the Winter Wonderland, which also includes a Bungee Dome and a series of food and drink stalls, were raised after it emerged Ms Koren still owes the council 100,000 from last year's event.

But it is understood a deposit and repayment plan has now been agreed, with Ms Koren confirming that "all issues have been resolved".

Councillor Steve Cardownie, the city's festivals and events champion, said: "The ice rink will go ahead with Karen Koren. Karen has produced ice rinks for us in the past and she will have the responsibility of doing so again in the future.

"We are delighted that the ice rink that people have become accustomed to will be there again. It has become a permanent fixture for Edinburgh's winterscape in the Gardens.

"We are convinced this year will be another success. There will still be the big wheel, the shows on Market Street. People who travel here year on year will be able to do so again in the knowledge that everything will be there and looking great for the Winter Festivals.

"We are all looking forward to Edinburgh putting forward a great show again this winter."