The first skaters have taken to the ice at the Norwich rink.

Eastern Daily Press: Cast from Norwich Theatre Royal panto, Sleeping Beauty, ice skating at the Castle Gardens ice rink. Picture: ANTONY KELLYCast from Norwich Theatre Royal panto, Sleeping Beauty, ice skating at the Castle Gardens ice rink. Picture: ANTONY KELLY (Image: Archant Norfolk 2017)

The ice rink, sponsored by the Sleeping Beauty pantomime at Norwich Theatre Royal, has officially opened in Castle Mall gardens.

Hundreds of people have already visited the winter wonderland, including the cast of Sleeping Beauty.

Norwich Theatre Royal Communications Manager, John Bultitude, said: 'The Norwich Ice Rink is a key part of the city's festive calendar just like the pantomime, and some of the Sleeping Beauty cast were delighted to be a part of the opening there.

Eastern Daily Press: This year the ice rink will open on Friday, December 15 and run until Sunday 7 January, closing only on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Years Day.This year the ice rink will open on Friday, December 15 and run until Sunday 7 January, closing only on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Years Day. (Image: Archant)

'The rink offers the chance of hours of family fun just like the pantomime and the cast had a fantastic time there. Oh yes they did!'

Following on from this visit, various figure skating displays are set to take place on Saturday, December 16 from 10am. The performances are completely free to watch.

Debbie Burrell is the organiser of the rink. She said: 'I'm so glad the Norwich Ice Rink is finally open, the first day has gone very well, it's been lovely to see loads of families and groups of friends having a bit of festive fun.

Eastern Daily Press: This years rink is sponsored by the Sleeping Beauty pantomime at the Norwich Theatre Royal. Photo: Norwich Theatre RoyalThis years rink is sponsored by the Sleeping Beauty pantomime at the Norwich Theatre Royal. Photo: Norwich Theatre Royal (Image: Archant)

'We've been quite popular and the weekend is looking like it's also going to be rather busy.'

The Norwich Ice Rink will run until Sunday, January 7, closing only on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year's Day.

Opening hours are from 10am to 9pm daily, with the last skate session starting at 8pm.

Eastern Daily Press: This years rink is sponsored by the Sleeping Beauty pantomime at the Norwich Theatre Royal. Photo: Norwich Theatre RoyalThis years rink is sponsored by the Sleeping Beauty pantomime at the Norwich Theatre Royal. Photo: Norwich Theatre Royal (Image: Archant)

Sessions last for 45 minutes with a further 15 minutes designated for changing shoes.

Tickets cost £12 for adults and £8 for children and are available to book now from icerinknorwich.co.uk or purchase on the day from the ticket hut.

Snowy Joey, the popular 50ft bouncy castle shaped like a snowman, has also returned for 2017, priced at £2.50 for 20 minutes.

Discounts for pensioners and students (with photo ID) are also available and skate hire is included with all tickets.

Wheelchair users must be accompanied by a competent skater who may skate for free. A wheelchair user only session will be held on Friday, December 29 between 10am and 11am. Please email icerink@archant.co.uk for more information.