Durham's spectacular Fire and Ice festival is set to return once again - keeping kids and adults alike entertained over half term.

Organiser Durham Business Improvement District (BID) has unveiled nine installations at Fire and Ice in Durham, which will form an ice sculpture trail around the city's peninsula, lit by a number of flaming beacons illuminating the works of art.

This year’s winter festival, billed as 'SteamPunk', will see visitors from across the region, including master ice carvers from Game of Thrones. A Sub-aquatic Transport Vehicle and Jelly Fusion will be the signature pieces in the installation.

The festival, which has delighted families since 2016, will debut a new steam-punk theme City on Friday 24th and Saturday 25th February. 

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Visitors will be able to enjoy amazing ice sculptures, have-a-go ice carving,  live carving demonstrations and more from 10 am to 6.15 pm on both days. 

Set against the beautiful backdrop of Durham City, visitors to the Fire and Ice Festival will also be able to browse the wonderful array of shops, enjoy a delicious meal in one of the many cafes and restaurants, or even share a few drinks with friends, while following the trail around the City.

The manager of Durham BID, Paul Howard, said: “There’s something for everyone in Durham during the course of the festival and we can’t wait to welcome you into the City once again for this much-loved event!

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“A particular favourite is the Ullr Fire and Ice shows at noon, 1 pm, 2 pm and 3 pm. Watch a sculpture being created in front of your eyes in dramatic fashion at Millenium Place. We would like to thank our sponsors for Fire and Ice 2023 – Walkergate, The Riverwalk and Prince Bishops Place – each will have a selection of sculptures for you to view and interact with”.

The festival will see an ice sculpture trail lit by flaming beacons across the City, with the opportunity for you to watch live ice carving demonstrations and give the art-form a go too, all under the watchful eye of master ice carvers from Glacial Arts, who worked on the set of smash TV series, Game of Thrones.

Each evening of the event, the festivities culminate in a spectacular grand finale in the Market Place with jets of water and shooting flames dancing in time to music, fitting to the theme of the year’s festival.

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