Is skate hire included?
Skate hire is included in the price of your ticket.
Can I bring my own skates?
Skate hire is included in the ticket price, but you can bring your own skates, if preferred.
Tamarisk Events is not responsible for your skates, shoes or property when skating at our rinks.
There is no reduction in price if you bring your own skates.
What skate sizes are available?
We hold a large number of skates, and a wide range of sizes are available. Our skate sizes range from size J8 to size 14. We also have bob skates available for younger skaters.
Skates size availability and bob skates cannot be guaranteed. They are issued on a first come, first served basis.
Can I book a helmet?
Optional helmet hire is included in your ticket price and will be available at the rink. Please see below for size guide information:
| Helmet Size | XXS/XS | S/M | L/XL | |||
| Head Size (cm) | 49cm | 52cm | 53cm | 56cm | 57cm | 59cm |
| Head Size (in) | 19.29” | 20.47” | 20.86” | 22.04” | 22.44” | 23.23” |
| Padding Size | 10mm | 6mm | 10mm | 6mm | 8mm | 6mm |
If you measure 53cm, you should have a S/M helmet and use the 10mm padding.
If you measure 57cm, you should a L/XL helmet and use the 8mm padding.
Can I book a Skate aid?
Skate aids will be available to hire at the rink for £5.00 on a first-come, first-served basis. To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience, child skate aids are only available for children under 120cm. Rink staff will measure all children hiring a skate aid to ensure they meet the height requirement.
Skate Aid Alternatives
We offer children (up to shoe size 1), the option of bob-skates. Bob-skates are double bladed and the safer alternative to kids who are above 120cm. Bob-skates can be requested at the skate exchange desk. We also offer helmets, free of charge, for all skaters. Helmets can be pre-booked online or requested onsite, please see the helmet section for more information.
What are the Rink opening times?
The rink will be open to the public from 25 October 2025, until 4 January 2026, except on Christmas Day.
Rink opens 11.00am – first session starts at 11am.
Rink closes 9pm – last session starts at 8pm.
Filming/photography on the ice
Selfie Sticks and Go Pro sticks are prohibited to use whilst skating on the ice rink. Spectators can use the viewing platforms take any photos and videos.
What should I wear?
We recommend wrapping up in warm, outdoor clothing and please wear gloves. We have extra gloves and socks available to purchase on site, but we still recommend you bring your own as these are subject to availability.
As skates can get wet, it would be a good idea to bring a change of socks for after your session.
On all outdoor ice rinks there is a risk of getting soggy as there is often surface water on the ice. If you fall over, you will get wet so you may wish to bring a change of trousers, just in case.
Depending on the weather, the surface of the ice rink can develop a thin layer of water these conditions are not unsafe, just more uncomfortable if you fall and get wet. It can be more slippery when getting up, which is why we advise wearing gloves – not only to help with the cold, but also to aid traction on the ice when getting up.
Can I bring my dog?
Guide dogs are allowed within the skate exchange and allowed in spectator areas. Please be aware, the skate exchange is a busy area. On arrival you can ask a member of staff to escort you straight through to the viewing platform area.
Can I bring my bag on the ice?
Bags of any description are not allowed on the ice. Please ensure you only bring essential items with you to the rink as storage space is limited in the cloakrooms (no large baggage or shopping please).
We operate a cashless system at the rinks, so cloakrooms must be paid for by card only which are £2 per item.
As cloakrooms are used at your own risk, it’s best to leave valuables at home. Tamaris Events does not accept any liability for loss, theft or damage except if caused by intent or gross negligence of the company or its employees.
Do you have skate marshals?
Yes, our skate marshals are on the ice rink on every session to monitor safe skating and will assist skaters, where possible, if you are a novice.
Do you have first aiders on-site?
We have trained medics and first aiders on site at all times in case of an incident. We do not require anyone to sign a waiver before skating.
Is there a spectator area?
Spectators can observe the rink and skaters for free from the perimeter.
Can I park at the ice rink?
Car parking is available in Chapel Street or near Manchester Victoria Station. Disabled parking is located at Todd Street (just outside Victoria Station), and there are more than 130 disabled parking spaces available in the nearby NCPs (Exchange, Arena, High Street, Shudehill).
Is there somewhere to buy food and drinks at the rink before or after skating?
There is a wide selection of food, drink and market stalls on offer at the Christmas Market at Cathedral Gardens.
Are there toilets at the rink?
The nearest toilets are located in the shopping centre.
Where are you located?
Skate Manchester is located at Cathedral Gardens, Manchester M4 3BG.
Group Offers:
Groups of 10: Buy 10 tickets and get the 10th ticket free
Groups of 20–50: Enjoy a 15% discount, contact us here for details.
Groups of 50+: Get in touch with our team for a tailored package here.
How does the weather affect the rink?
Outdoor ice rinks are affected by weather conditions. Heavy rain, warm temperatures, or high winds can create a layer of water on the ice, affecting its quality and increasing the risk of accidents, which may lead to rink closures.
If your skate session is cancelled due to weather conditions, you can choose to reschedule or receive a refund for your ticket (booking fees are non-refundable).
The rink will stay open during light rain as it does not present a hazard. Please note that the ice may get wet, which could make falling uncomfortable. We advise wearing gloves to stay warm and improve traction when getting up, as the ice may be slippery.
For inquiries please contact us at hello@skatemanchester.com
