Tickets to go on sale Friday October 25
Due to popular demand, the Bournemouth Garden’s outdoor ice rink is bigger, better and back this Christmas with advance tickets going on sale to the public on Friday October 25.
Commissioned by the Bournemouth Town Centre BID company and operated by Olympic Gold medallist figure skater Robin Cousins’ company, Cousins Entertainment, the ice rink has been extended to 400 square metres and can now accommodate 130 skaters when it opens to the public on Saturday November 16.
Festive shoppers will be able to skate under the stars while spectators enjoy a warming hot chocolate in the nearby café as they watch the thrills and spills out on the ice.
Following last year’s successful launch, the Town Centre BID will further enhance its winter attractions for 2013 by transforming the Grade II listed Bournemouth Lower Gardens into the Gardens of Light Christmas Festival with the addition of a Santa’s Grotto and innovative, interactive lighting installations.
From November 16 to January 6 2014, visitors will be able to wander through the illuminated gardens and experience the Bournemouth Light Pods for free. Designed by local lighting designer Michael Grubb and his team, who worked on the master plan for the London 2012 Olympic Park, each pod is packed with light and colour to delight the senses and enchant visitors of all ages.
Lisa Tucker, chairman of the Town Centre BID Board, says: “After the success of last year’s ice rink, which witnessed tens of thousands of skaters take to the ice, we’re delighted to build on our Christmas offering by lighting up the Gardens with the introduction of our new Gardens of Light Christmas Festival.
“Come to Bournemouth to experience the brightest and most sparkling Christmas ever!”
Robin Cousins, owner of Cousins Entertainment, adds: “With our vast production experience, award-winning talent and proven success in all aspects of temporary ice rink management, we are looking forward to working with the Town Centre BID to deliver a world class attraction to put Bournemouth on the map for visitors and residents this Christmas.”
Priced at £8.50 per adult and £7.50 per child (age four to 16), tickets can be purchased in advance from www.makeitbournemouth.co.uk/icerink or by calling 02920 230 130.
Open every day, except Christmas Day. Ice skates will be available for hire on site. Each session runs for one hour and ticket holders should arrive 15 minutes before the booked skate time to allow for boot fitting.