Free ice rink opens during European skating event

A free ice rink is opening in Sheffield city centre as part of a fan zone for the ISU Figure Skating European Championships.

It is the first time in over a decade the UK has welcomed the prestigious competition, which is taking place at the Utilita Arena Sheffield until Sunday.

The fan zone at the Peace Gardens also includes a big screen showing the action from the competition, food stalls and other entertainment.

The rink, which provides free skate hire, will be open throughout the championships between 14:00-20:00 GMT on weekdays. On Saturday and Sunday it will be open from 10:00 to 20:00.

The championships, last held in Sheffield in 2012, is the last major competition for figure skaters before the upcoming 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy.

Amongst the Great British medal hopes in Sheffield will be the ice dance pair Lilah Fear and Lewis Gibson.

In 2025 they secured Britain's first global ice skating medal in more than 40 years with a bronze in the World Championships.

Sheffield City Council said the Peace Gardens rink is artificial ice "as a more environmentally friendly option" and makes it "accessible to everyone".

Councillor Mohammed Mahroof, the council's chair of the economic development, skills and culture committee, said hosting the championships for the second time is a "proud moment" for the city.

"Whether you've got tickets for the arena or not, the fan zone gives people of all ages a chance to be part of the event," he said.

The fan zone is hosted by Sheffield City Council and British Ice Skating, with support from Sheffield BID and UK Sport.

David Hartley, event director for the championships, said: "The city centre fan zone is about making that excitement accessible to everyone, giving families, newcomers and skating fans the chance to get involved and create lasting memories."

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