Ice rink opening delayed

Weather not playing fair

Sadly due to the poor weather we have had it has delayed the opening of Tunbridge Wells Borough Council’s Christmas ice rink.

Down to a combination of unseasonably warm weather, high winds and rain has forced Icescape, the rink operator to cancel the launch of the Christmas 2015 ice rink, which was due to be marked by a special performance from Silver Blades Gillingham and samba band Bloco Fogo at 6pm today (Friday 20 November) and the first public skating session.

But good news, public skating will now commence on Saturday morning at 11am.

Icescape’s Director, Mark Smith said: ‘This week we’ve had temperatures of 12 and 13 degrees which in itself is challenging but together with the heat from the friction caused by the high winds the impact on the ice is too great and it’s not skateable. This is not just a problem in Tunbridge Wells, we know the rinks at Hampton Court and Tower of London are also unable to open.’

The box office is making efforts to contact people who have tickets booked for Friday evening and Saturday morning and skaters will be offered a different session or a refund.

For more information call the Assembly Hall Box Office on 01892 530613, Monday to Friday 9.30am to 5pm.

Updates about skating will be posted on the ice rink website www.tunbridgewellsatchristmas.com, and at www.tunbridgewells.gov.uk

Councillor Jane March, Cabinet member with responsibility for Tourism, Leisure and Economic Development said: ‘It’s very disappointing news for everyone who was planning to skate. We are working hard with Icescape to minimise the impact on customers and get going as quickly as possible. We always have such a positive reaction to the ice rink and people are being very understanding.’

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