Icy day out in Belfast

Crashed Ice, the "world series" of downhill ice-skating will take place on a specially-built ice "assault" course in front of Stormont in Belfast, on Friday February 20th and Saturday, the 21st. The event takes place on a man-made ice slope, with four competitors at a time, high-speed skating down a 440-metre track with steep turns and vertical drops, with more than 140 skaters taking part. This alcohol-free family event, sponsored by Red Bull, is the third stage in an international event, which started in Minnesota in January before moving on to Finland. Belfast will welcome the third stop before the series moves to Edmonton (Canada). Tickets (ticketmaster) cost £11 adults, £5.75 children and £28 family of four, including booking fee.

Kate Holmquist