Figure skater cuts dash at VIP launch

The South East’s most beautiful winter ice rink will be the UK’s first ever ‘green rink’, using a green energy tariff to freeze the ice and power up the attraction, organisers announced at the VIP launch party on November 8.

Brighton & Hove City Mayor Bill Randall welcomed the move, saying: “I am pleased that the rink will be green this year and hopefully in the years to come.  Ice rinks do use a lot of energy, but this is a wonderful attraction for visitors and people who live in the city and it just makes it even better to know that green energy will power it.”

Entertainment for guests was hosted by Andrea Fox, kicking off with a jaunty ice dance from 21-year-old former British figure skater Kirstie Newbrook, who has signed up as an ice marshall at the rink for the winter season. Other acts included Actually Gay Men’s Chorus, Euphoria Steel Band and The Argus Appeal’s Father Christmas, whilst guests enjoyed tasters from the menu of Jamie Oliver’s Fabulous Feasts rinkside restaurant before taking to the ice.

This year’s rink has more exciting features than ever before with a line up of events and special visitors to be announced soon and ‘beginner-friendly’ skate sessions from 10am to 11am daily, with skate marshalls on hand to offer top tips on learning how to skate, from the winter ice rink’s opening day on Saturday.

With the former Royal pleasure palace as backdrop, the 800 square metre rink has space for 250 skaters per session, with a beginners area and skates from ‘just walking’ to adult sizes, extra penguin stabilisers for kids this year and an extended hour of off-peak on weekdays until 5pm offering seasonal fun and a unique and special Christmas experience.

Jamie Oliver recently announced his involvement, saying: “I’m really excited to be teaming up with Brighton’s Royal Pavilion Ice Rink to add some festive flavour! Fabulous Feasts will be serving up a whole range of gorgeous festive drinks and dishes made from great-quality British produce. With the incredible Royal Pavilion as the venue, it’s going to be a beautiful place to celebrate Christmas and get together with friends and family. Make sure you come and see us and get involved in all the festivities”.

Royal Pavilion Ice Rink tickets cost from £10 for adults and £7 for children under 12 and the one-hour skate times run from 10am to 10.15pm daily. This year off-peak prices run from 10am to 5.15pm, one hour longer than last year and schools can buy tickets for £4 per student. Box office is open from 9.30am to 9.45pm, but it is advisable to book tickets in advance.

Buy your tickets now from www.ticketmaster.co.uk/royal-pavilion-ice-rink or call 0844 8472352 or for group bookings of ten or more call 0844 8471512.