LIVERPOOL Council leader Warren Bradley was among those to test the new ice rink at Williamson Square before it opens to the public tomorrow.

Business Improvement District (BID) members and partners gathered to witness a show by international professional skaters Donna McCarthy and David McGrouther, from Liverpool – and went on to try out the ice themselves.

Cllr Bradley said: “A huge amount of preparations have gone in to this year’s Christmas events – everything from street animation, Go Penguins, Christmas markets and festive lighting.

“It is fantastic the BID team managed to secure a genuine ice rink to add to all of the festivities.

“The Christmas package for Liverpool will be the best the city has ever seen.

“Children, visitors and shoppers will be able to enjoy all which is on offer here in Liverpool, and even get healthy and active at the same time.”

Williamson Square came alive yesterday with snow machines, Yule logs and samples from Signature Café.

The ice rink, which is 24m by 13m, will stay open until January 10, 2010.

Ged Gibbons, BID chief executive, said: “After receiving such a positive response from the Urban Beach we had in Williamson Square during the summer, an ice rink was the next best thing we could do for winter.” Children under 16 years are not allowed on the ice without an adult. Tickets cost £5 from all Merseytravel outlets and the 08 Place, in Whitechapel. Ticketed sales will fast track any paying queue. The rink opens from 10.30am until 6pm every day, until 8pm on Thursdays and from 10.30am until 5pm on Sundays.