Snow storm at VIP ice rink launch

Dreams of a white Christmas came true last night for lucky guests at Brighton’s Royal Pavilion Ice Rink VIP launch party, hosted by the Heart FM breakfast team. A surprise snow shower followed a stunning ‘Get Happy’ solo ice dancing display by Cheryl Cathcart from Holiday on Ice, before the ice was opened to guests for the first time this season.

The rink opens to the public at 10am this Saturday November 7, when visitors can also expect surprise snow flurries throughout the day.

Said Cllr Warren Morgan, Leader of Brighton & Hove City Council: “We are delighted to welcome back the rink this year – it has become Brighton’s star winter attraction and something of a Christmas tradition. It draws people from far and wide to visit Brighton and enjoy the City’s unique Christmas appeal.”

With the former Royal pleasure palace as the backdrop, huge rink side bar and restaurant with a 40 metre terrace, this hidden gem of a rink is beautifully lit at night and is a great choice for those who want to skate in a beautiful setting as well as sit down to eat après ice. With all of Brighton’s gorgeous independent shops on its doorstep and just 50 minutes from Victoria by train, you can get a little Christmas shopping in too.

The 880 square metre rink includes a beginners’ area, penguin skate aids and skate sizes from ‘just walking’ to adult. There’s no charge for spectating for those who prefer to sit and soak up the atmosphere. The stunning rinkside Bar & Kitchen offers mouth-watering patisserie snacks; Christmas treats; a quick drink with the best view in the City and scrumptious sharing platters for families and friends to enjoy.

Ice skating tickets cost from £10 for adults (aged 12 and over), £7 for juniors (children under 12) and the one-hour skate times run from 10am to 10.15pm daily. Club Rinkidinks (10am – 11am daily) offers children under five the chance to skate for free when accompanied on the ice by an adult paying full price. There are also season tickets for those who want to learn to skate (check website for details) and great concessions for students. The box office is open from 9.45am to 9.45pm, but it is advisable to book tickets in advance.