The hugely successful open-air ice rink will be back in Centenary Square for a fun-packed Christmas this year.

Thousands of people enjoyed skating round the specially-constructed temporary ice rink in front of City Hall last year, which has led to it being brought back for the 2002 festive period.

But it has been decided not to have the dazzling aquabatics show because of its "ugly" appearance during the day.

The structure supporting the display was thought by officers to be too 'unappealing' in the daylight hours.

Chairman Councillor Keith Thomson said the "black box type" structure had been ugly when the displays were not operating.

The environment scrutiny committee, however, heard that the hugely popular ice rink would be set up again and remain open throughout the festive period - except Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year's Day - until the start of the new school term

Schools and community groups are likely to be given the opportunity to go to special afternoon sessions during term times with cheaper tickets.

Events already programmed in for Centenary Square the remainder of this year include:

l November 14 - Christmas lights switched on

l November 21 and 28 - dramatic performing arts

l December 5 - ice rink launch.

The committee was told some 15,000 people attended the Winter in Wonderland event which included the lights being switched on by Gareth Gates and comedian Billy Pearce, and a major fireworks display. The figure was four times higher than the previous year.

The total cost of last year's events was £223,000.

The committee heard that, if Bradford was shortlisted for the European Capital of Culture bid, there were proposals to create all-year-round special displays of lights linking in with the bid's theme as the City of Light, Colour, Water and Music.