The Royal Tunbridge Wells open air ice rink is returning to Calverley Grounds, for its fourth successive year, and this festive season is set to be its most successful so far, with the skating sessions throughout the Christmas and the New Year already selling out fast. A spokesperson for the ice rink said, “More than ever before we are recommending that people book early for this, incredibly popular, festive event. The premium sessions, Saturdays and Sundays, all day, and weekdays from Friday 19th December to Wednesday 31st December are attracting the most advance bookings so it’s best to get in early, or to book for the quieter sessions at the end of November and in early December.”
The opening night will take place on Friday 21st November at 6pm in the beautifully lit park, with skating performances by Silver Blades Gillingham. To mark the occasion the supporters of the ice rink, Tunbridge Wells Borough Council, AXA PPP Healthcare, Heart, The Index Magazine, Dandara and the Kent and Sussex Courier, will be showcasing a variety of skating talent, from solo figure-skating performances by Dixie Bignell (15 years) and Freya Godfrey (11 years), to an ice dance duet with Yasmin Kerkham, (12 years) and Cassie Stone (14 years).
The final performance will be by British novice champion and twice Silver British Junior medalist Isabella Larkin (pictured above), who is part of the GB performance team and the Olympic pathway team. Following on from the skating displays and the official opening of the ice rink, to which spectators are more than welcome, public skaters will be able to take to the ice from 8pm.
The authentic Christmas chalets that overlook the ice rink and other local independent retailers will be offering a variety of quality products including Christmas gifts and local food and drinks. The chalets will then be open every Friday to Sunday and from Monday 15th December (closed Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day).
It’s never too early to secure tickets for your session and, as mentioned above, advance bookings are highly recommended. Tickets for the ice rink can be booked online at www.tunbridgewellsatchristmas.com or from the Assembly Hall Theatre and Tunbridge Wells Gateway in person or by calling 01892 554645. The cost for one hour’s skating, including hire of skating boots, will cost from £7 for children and £9.50 for adults.
Following on from their popularity last year, the Parent & Toddler Sessions will be returning and will run everyday from 10.00am – 10.30am. There will be an additional Parent and Toddler session from 2.00pm – 2.30pm on weekdays from 24th Nov – 18th Dec. This year the Parent and Toddler sessions can also be pre-booked online and via the box office in advance of the session, with any remaining tickets made available on the day at the ice rink box office.