The first look at one of this year’s York Ice Trail sculptures has been revealed – with the popular free event set to return in February.
For the 2024 York Ice Trail, the theme is ‘City Of Dreams’. There will be 33 sculptures lining York’s historic streets, with magic, myth and mystic galore.
York Ice Trail will take place on Saturday 3 and Sunday 4 February.
Make It York’s titular sculpture has been revealed, against the backdrop of the magnificent York Minster.
The event is organised by Make It York, with main sponsors York Park & Ride and York Bid.
Sarah Loftus, managing director of Make It York, said: “York Ice Trail is a beautiful event loved by residents and visitors alike. We’re incredibly thankful to all the brilliant local businesses who support the York Ice Trail and to all our sponsors – their support makes it possible for us to keep running these free events in the city.”
UK and Europe’s leading ice specialists, Icebox, will design and create all the sculptures for the 2024 trail for the third year.
YorkMix will once again have an ice sculpture – with the chance to win big! If you can guess the number of mini Mixies trapped in our sculpture – a rainbow floating above the clouds – you could win £1,000.
The grounds of Middletons Hotel will be transformed into a mystical Wonka world of chocolate – including four show-stopping sculptures from City Cruises, York Chocolate Story, Potion’s Cauldron and Middletons themselves.
Event sponsor the York BID (Business Improvement District) has five sculptures in the trail this year, depicting well known mythical creates: the Himalayan Yeti, the terrifying Kraken, the nine-headed Hydra, the majestic Unicorn and the immortal Phoenix.
Carl Alsop, operations manager at York BID, said: “Whether you’re taking a photo with our unicorn, or braving a selfie with the kraken, it’s sure to be a memorable weekend.”
In 2023, York Ice Trail was a huge success, with over 40,000 visitors coming to the city for the event.
The full list of sculptures and trail map for the 2024 event is yet to be revealed. For more information, visit the Visit York website.