Oxford leisure centres open doors for free events for Big Weekend

Oxford Ice Rink hosted a free public skate session on Saturday, March 8, as part of the city’s Big Open Weekend. 

The initiative, in partnership with four leisure centre in the city, saw participants enjoy free activities like badminton and pickleball, fitness classes, swimming tasters and ice skating across the two days. 

At Oxford Ice Rink in Oxpens Road, people of all abilities – from seasoned pros to family groups and beginners – enjoyed a public skate session from 2.45pm to get a taste for skating. 

The centre also offered free taster skate lessons earlier in the afternoon, to show beginners the basics at no charge. 

The scheme was in partnership with More Leisure Community Trust and Oxford City Council.

Brian Taylor, chair of More Leisure Community Trust, said: “We welcomed thousands of visitors to our centres across the Big Open Weekend (BOW), with free swimming lessons and access to our gyms, and free skating sessions at the Ice Rink proving a big hit.

“The BOW is all about giving our communities free or discounted access to everything our centres have to offer, helping the people of Oxford to stay active and well!”

The four facilities which took part over the weekend were Barton Leisure Centre, Leys Pool and Leisure Centre, Ferry Leisure Centre and Oxford Ice Rink. 

The Big Open Weekend is an annual event open to people of all ages and abilities.