British Champions launch magical season

Skating champions Zoe Jones and Christopher Boyadji skated their way into the new season of the Royal Pavilion Ice Rink at the VIP launch party. The figure skating duo treated 400 invited guests to a magical display to the song “It’s a Man’s World” by Seal, before the ice was opened to guests for the first time this season.

After teaming up in June 2016, Zoe & Chris were crowned 2016 British Senior Pairs Champion and represented Great Britain at the European & World Championships. This year the pair have participated in two international events in Europe and have beaten their best score. Zoe is a particularly unique skater, having retired from skating for 13 years before her 2016 come back and being the only woman on the international level to have children.

Said Chris Boyadji: “We have had a wonderful time opening the Royal Pavilion Ice Rink for the second year running! It’s such a fabulous place to skate and is unlike anywhere else in the world!”

Sophia (12) and Curtis (13) Elton perform at the opening show
Photograph taken by Simon Dack

Guests were also treated to a Christmassy performance from talented young figure skaters Sophia and Curtis Elton, who have skated and played music on TV as well as for royalty and whose ice dance was set to a Mary Poppins and Sound of Music medley. As an extra treat, guests enjoyed angelic live music from the Brighton College Prep School Chamber Choir, getting everyone in the festive spirit.

The rink opens to the public for its eighth year at 10am this Saturday November 4 until 14 January 2018, when visitors can expect a twinkling time on the ice and in the restaurant with its beautiful terrace overlooking the rink.

Juice 107.2 Breakfast show hosts Lou and Alex celebrate the VIP Launch of the Royal Pavilion Ice Rink. Photograph taken by Simon Dack

Cllr Alan Robins, chair of Brighton & Hove’s Tourism, Development and Culture Committee, said: “We’re delighted to welcome back the Royal Pavilion Ice Rink for its eighth year in the city. The ice rink opening really marks the start of the festive season for us here in Brighton & Hove and we are proud to host the South East’s most beautiful winter ice rink!”

The Royal Pavilion Ice Rink is located within Brighton’s bustling North Laine district, perfect for Christmas shopping, and beautifully lit at night for a truly magical Christmas skate right in front of the former royal pleasure palace. The 880-square metre main rink offers plenty of space for more confident skaters and the unusual, separate 130-square metre beginners’ rink with penguin skate aids provides a safe area for younger skaters to build their confidence.

Off peak sessions run until 5.15pm on week days, including a Juice Happy Hour, with Juice 107.2, straight after school at 4.15pm and the ice rink is open from 10am until 10.15pm, with the last skate session at 9.15pm. The Bar & Kitchen stays open until late.

Angelic live music from the Brighton College Prep School Chamber Choir at the VIP Launch. Photograph taken by Simon Dack

For those looking to just sit back and soak up the festive atmosphere, there’s no charge for spectating from the cosy rink-side Bar & Kitchen or on its 40-metre terrace next to the ice. With plenty of space for larger gatherings, the 130-seater restaurant offers sumptuous snacks, hearty meals, including stone baked pizzas – new this year – a fantastic after school menu for kids and a great bar selection including local ale and a new range of craft beers, 14 different gins, and mulled wine or cider.

Conveniently situated just 50 minutes from Victoria by train, all of Brighton’s gorgeous independent shops are on its doorstep so visitors can get a little Christmas shopping in too.

Tickets cost from £10 for full price tickets (aged 12 and over), £7 for juniors (under 12) and the one-hour skate times run from 10am to 9.15pm daily. Club Rinkidinks (daily, second session of the day, 11.15am to 12.15pm excluding Dec 21st 2017 – Jan 1st 2018) offers children under five the chance to skate for free when accompanied on the ice by an adult paying full price. There are also great new multiticket offers for those who want to skate regularly (check website for details) and concessions for students. The box office is open from 9.30am to 9.45am, but it is advisable to book tickets in advance.