As the weather starts to turn very autumnal, the Tunbridge Wells ice rink announces it’s return for 2018 with stylish skating, festive food and drink, live music and Christmas shopping inspiration – and booking is now open.
From Friday 16th November, Calverley Grounds will, once again, be transformed into the ultimate winter destination, signalling the start of the Christmas season and creating a favourite festive destination for skaters, shoppers and spectators right across the season.
By day or night, visitors can skate in the beautiful splendour of the natural amphitheatre, decorated for Christmas with twinkling festive lights. The very special launch event will be taking place on opening night Friday 16th November, with all the exciting details to be announced very soon.
Storytelling workshops will be taking place and the ice rink will, once again, collaborate with The Forum – the lifeblood of the live music scene – and host live music events every Thursday night. There will also be local choirs performing between 4pm and 6pm every Sunday and there will be special “Tunbridge Wells In Winter” themed talks from team members of the Tunbridge Wells Museum. As before, chalets are available for hire with the hope of making this year’s Ice Rink experience as immersive and special as possible. Full information on booking the chalets is also coming soon.
Councilor Jane March, Cabinet member with responsibility for Tourism, Leisure and Economic Development said:
“Outdoor ice skating in beautiful Royal Tunbridge Wells is a wonderful, festive, fun thing to do. The rink always looks lovely and skating is a great activity for all ages. The rink is very popular so put a date in your diary, book your tickets early and don’t miss out on the fun.”
Main skating sessions will take place from 11am until 8pm. Please note the last skating session will be 6pm on Christmas Eve, Boxing Day, New Years Eve and New Year’s Day. Skate tickets are now on sale, adults £14.50 and children £9.75 including skate hire. A booking fee of up to £1.75 per ticket will be applied on all tickets booked by phone or in person. On-line booking fees are only £0.85 per ticket (over 50% off other booking methods). Sessions sell out quickly so it is advised that visitors book tickets in advance to avoid disappointment on the day. Go! Card tickets available at £5 and seals will be available at £4. Tickets are on sale at: www.tunbridgewellsatchristmas.com and www.assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk
Dedicated thirty minute Parent and Toddler sessions will take place every morning at 9.45am, 10.15am and at 2pm until the schools break up for Christmas. Price £9.50 which includes toddler and adult tickets and seal skating aid.
Advanced booking is recommended at peak times – Thursday and Friday evenings, school holidays and all day Saturday and Sunday. Motorised and non-motorised wheelchair users are welcome to enjoy the rink in their own wheelchair but must be accompanied by an assisting companion.
Father Christmas – No family visit to the ice rink would be complete without a visit to Father Christmas. Tickets on sale now at www.thelittleboxoffice.com/darrylcurcherevents. It is strongly advised to book in advance to avoid any disappointment for children expecting to see Father Christmas.