Location:   Glasgow
Venue:   George Square
Dates: 01 December 2000 to 24 December 2000

BACKGROUND / BRIEF
Back in 1994, UZ were invited by Glasgow City Council and the City Centre Association to be part of an event-led strategy that facilitated economic development by encouraging day trippers and tourists to choose Glasgow as their Christmas shopping destination. Over a period of four years, in conjunction with the City and the Traders, UZ developed many of the key concepts that formed the backbone of the Shine On Festival. For 2000, GCC invited proposals for a ‘Christmas Spectacular’ that would replace the Shine On Festival, whilst still fulfilling its fundamental objectives. UZ responded with ‘Glasgow on Ice’, an outdoor ice rink and ancillary festive attractions.

EVENT
Glasgow on Ice populated George Square with Christmas cheer from 1st December until Christmas Eve 2000, attracting over 100,000 people to the event during its 24 day run. Glasgow’s Lord Provost, Alex Mosson, donned skates for the first time in 40 years to open Glasgow’s first open-air ice rink. He was accompanied by the Paisley Ice Dancers and Figure Skaters who performed a routine specially choreographed for the Glasgow on Ice opening. The ice rink was complemented by a heated ‘Skaters Pavilion’ serving warming Christmas Fayre. Traditional Fairground rides, ice dancing demos and a daily programme of on and off ice events added to this festive atmosphere to make Glasgow on Ice an outdoor experience beyond all others.

Over the ice rink's 24-day run, it is estimated that 2.4 million people passed by enjoying the yultide atmosphere Glasgow on Ice brought to the city centre.

CLIENTS
Glasgow City Council, Millennium Commission.

SPONSORS
The Evening Times, Clyde1 FM, Aggreko