Archant’s winter wonderland is well under way in the heart of Norwich

The lights are on, the water will arrive soon and by the weekend the ice rink will be ready for skaters.PHOTO BY SIMON FINLAY (Image: ARCHANT NORFOLK)

Transforming Castle Mall Gardens with a magical ice rink, the Christmas playground is coming together with a few days left until the grand opening.

The Eastern Daily Press and Norwich Evening News' rink will be alongside a host of festive fun sponsored by Norwich International Airport, included season stalls offering local produce and a snowman bouncy castle.

On Sunday eager skaters will be lacing up their skates for an hour of fun on the ice and with appearances from Disney characters and even Father Christmas himself, there is fun for all the family in the majestic setting.

The rink itself can hold 70 people per one-hour session and with the opportunity for 21,560 people to get on the ice from Sunday until it closes on January 2, it is the main event to kick off Christmas.

Nigel Pickover, editor of the EDP and the Norwich Evening News, said: 'This is the first time our newspapers have launched our very own ice rink, and what better way to get into the festive spirit than to glide around in the shadow of the castle.'

General manager of Norwich airport, Richard Pace, added: 'It's a great opportunity for a great day out in Norwich and we would urge people to get their tickets booked as soon as they can.'

Visitors can still get tickets online from www.icerinknorwich.co.uk to book their slot. Open from 10am until 9pm, Archant's ice rink welcomes people over four years old and there is a viewing area so non-skaters will not miss a moment.

Adult tickets cost £10, children aged four to 16 get in for £7, a family ticket for two adults and two children is £28, concessions are £8 and the snowman bouncy castle is £2.50.

Tickets are no longer available at the EDP and Evening News' headquarters or over the phone.