Pop-up roller disco to roll into Leeds Kirkgate Market this Easter

Children and young people across the city will have the chance to get their skates on this Easter, as a new pop-up roller disco comes to Leeds Kirkgate Market.

The event space at the market will be transformed into a roller disco arena for three days during the Easter holidays and has been brought to the city as on of thewinning ideas in a Child Friendly Leeds competition.

The pop-up rink will be up and running from Monday 9 to Wednesday 11 April, with a range of sessions running throughout the days for different age groups.

A winning idea

The 'Making Leeds city centre more child friendly' competition was organised as part of the Child Friendly Leeds fifth anniversary celebrations last year, and was entered by more than 350 children and young people.

One of the winning ideas came from Chelsey, who was 17 years old when she entered the competition and wanted a low cost, annual roller disco for children and youngpeople in the city centre.

Her idea was that it would enable young people to get together, meet new people and make new friends, as well as help them learn how to skate or teach others a new skill.

This year, Leeds City Council and partners Sk8House are making Chelsey's idea a reality with a three day pop-up roller rink during the Easter school holidays.

Speaking of seeing her idea brought to life, Chelsey said: "The fact that my idea is going to be a reality is really great and I hope it will be a success.

"Also, the fact that it is open to children of all ages and abilities makes it a great chance for them to socialise and try something new."

There will be seven sessions held each day, including one especially for children and young people with additional needs, one for younger children between age five andeight, four family sessions and a teenager only session to finish off each day.

Wheelchair users are also welcome to go onto the rink in their wheelchairs.

When are the sessions?

Daily sessions will run for 40 minutes, with a 20 minute change over time between sessions.

10am - for children and young people with additional needs.

11am - for children aged five to eight years old and their parent or carer.

Family sessions at 12pm, 1pm, 2pm and 3pm.

4pm - teenager session (13 to 18 year olds).

How much is it?

Tickets are priced at £2 per person for each 40 minute session, which includes skate hire and protective equipment.

Children aged 5 to 12 years old must be accompanied by an adult.

Adults are permitted to skate with their child or children with the purchase of a ticket, or assist them on the rink without skates on for no charge.

Tickets are available for purchase from the Child Friendly Leeds website, and will also be on sale daily at the Kirkgate Market office (cash only).