Canterbury on Ice is open!

Canterbury’s spectacular Christmas ice rink in the Dane John Gardens is now open for spins, twists and turns.

Canterbury on Ice runs every day (except Christmas Day) until Wednesday 1 January. Tickets can be booked online or people can turn up and skate on the day, subject to availability. Opening times vary – see website for details.

The rink is complemented by a range of food and drink outlets, including gourmet sausages, wood fired pizza, sweet and savoury crepes and a Christmas bar selling alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, all provided by Inner Circle Events.

Canterbury on Ice in the Dane John Gardens

The rink opened on Friday (29th Nov) afternoon with a special event featuring demonstrations from Ice Glitz, Planet Ice Group and the Invicta Dynamics Ladies ice hockey team, accompanied by singing from the Canterbury Community Gospel Choir on the bandstand.

The ice rink and food outlets viewed from the city wall

Fifty competition winners then had the opportunity to be the first on the ice, followed by the opening public session.

Both electric and manual wheelchair users can go on the ice, and skate aids are available to help children find their feet.

One of these is Pat the Penguin. We’re just not sure which one…

Two relaxed skating sessions without music and lights, for people who would prefer a calmer and quieter atmosphere, have been set up on Saturday 7 and Sunday 29 December, both at 10am.

Canterbury on Ice is being run in-house by the city council as a commercial and cultural venture and the rink has been supplied and fitted by a leading company in the industry, Iskate, who also provide the rink for ITV’s Dancing on Ice. Thirty seasonal jobs have been created.

Canterbury on Ice is sponsored by Kent and Sussex Cottages, Canterbury College, Kent Union Job Shop and Canterbury Suzuki.

See more pictures from the launch event.

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