Kentish Express Ashford & District - What's On
Ice skating
Get your skates on... it’s the run-up to Christmas. Wrap up warm and get out on the ice as we show you where to head for some festive fun that’s really cool. By Angela Cole
TUNBRIDGE WELLS
Tunbridge Wells likes to go all out for festivities each Christmas. The ice rink in the amphitheatre is a highlight of the festive calendar for the town each year. Running from Friday, November 17 to New Year’s Day, the amphitheatre is transformed into a winter wonderland, with skating, festive food and drink, music and shopping inspiration.
On selected nights, the ice rink will team up with The Forum to host indie and folk music nights.
The 35 x 20m rink has a capacity for up to 250 skaters and will be open seven days a week (but will be closed on Christmas Day).
The Fuggles Beer Cafe will be providing an apres skate drink with seasonal classics such as real ale and craft beers, some Belgian classics and Christmas beers, alongside their famous mulled cider, mulled wine and a range of seasonal gins, wines and soft drinks.
The Basil Cafe will offer food with wholesome ingredients, new festive-inspired cakes and bakes and a winter barbecue.
Main skating sessions will take place from 11am until 8pm. The last skating session will be 6pm on Christmas Eve, Boxing Day, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. Dedicated 30-minute parent and toddler sessions will take place each morning at 9.45am, 10.15am and 2pm until the schools break up, priced at £9.50 which includes toddler and adult ticket and a seal skating aid.
Skate tickets for main sessions cost £14 and for children £9.50, including skate hire. Tickets are on sale at tunbridgewellsatchristmas. com.
Motorised and non-motorised wheelchair users are welcome to enjoy the rink in their own wheelchair but must be accompanied by a companion. Father Christmas will be in his cosy log cabin from Saturday, December 2 until Christmas Eve on selected midweek and weekend dates. To book call 01892 523693 or visit thelittleboxoffice.com/ darrylcurcherevents. dfgd.
DREAMLAND, MARGATE
A large undercover ice rink will be part of the attraction’s Frosted Fairground festive activities.
Open every day from Friday, December 1 to Wednesday, January 3 (except Christmas Day), the 450msq rink will have room for 150 people to skate at any one time.
There will also be Father Christmas in his grotto, appearances by The Snowman and The Snowdog and Jack and Jackie Frost leading some sing-alongs.
Rebecca Ellis, director of events, said: “It’s been a very exciting year at Dreamland and ending it with an amazing festive experience is important to us. We can’t wait to have an ice rink in Margate and to draw people to the town outside the summer season.” For tickets go to dreamland.co.uk/events.
BLUEWATER
The popular ice rink will be outside by the lakes in the West Village, near Zizzi’s, opening on Thursday, November 16.
The covered rink will run until Sunday, January 7. There are seal skating aids for children and bob skates for those unsteady on the ice. New this year, there are skating lessons, Friday party nights with kmfm DJS, baby and toddler mornings, ice parties and an after-school skate club. Prices are £9 for children, £10 for juniors (13 to 16 years), £11 for adults and £34 for a family of four. For details go to Bluewater. co.uk