Cambridge City Council - Winter Event Offer 2023 - 2029

The 'North Pole' winter event has become an established winter activity on Parker's Piece, Cambridge over a number of years. There is evidence to indicate that there is demand for a winter offer based on use and demonstrated by ticket sales and high site attendee numbers, with the last operating year 2021/2022 recording 50,000 skaters and circa 200,000 visitors to the site. Its last operating format was primarily as a skating attraction complemented by an ice slide, ice bar, fairground rides, an observation wheel and various concessions offering food and drink. The event not only provides city residents with the opportunity of a festive activity but also draws visitors from outside the City who contribute to the wider city economy.

Cambridge City Council seeks a supplier of a seasonal winter event offer to include Parker's Piece (the venue) and then in later years' to collaborate with other partners to enhance, design and be involved in the delivery of a broader winter offer to Cambridge City centre.

The operating period offered is for 6-weeks between mid-November until the first week of January on the site but with potential to for an extended winter offer into January/February in the City Centre.

The duration of contract is 7 years (operating on a 5+1+1 concession contract) to including event operation in winter 2023 and up to an including winter 2029 (final operating days early January 2030) .

A Premises Licence PRECAM000491 for regulated entertainment is in place with the supply of alcohol permitted (if required) for 50 days as part.