Plans are in place to make the opening show to this year's Norwich Ice Rink a skating spectacular.

Eastern Daily Press: ice rink logoice rink logo (Image: Archant)

Six performances will grace the rink, which this year is sponsored by the Jack and the Beanstalk pantomime at the Norwich Theatre Royal.

The show at 11am on Saturday December 17 is free to attend, thanks to the special viewing gallery beside the ice.

Figure skater and skate marshall for the Norwich Ice Rink, Coralie Steadman, is delighted to get back on the ice.

She said: 'I'm so excited to be skating again this year, I started choreographing a few days ago, as there's a lot of hype this year!

Eastern Daily Press: Jack and the Beanstalk at the Norwich Theatre Royal sponsor the Norwich Ice RinkJack and the Beanstalk at the Norwich Theatre Royal sponsor the Norwich Ice Rink (Image: Archant)

'We don't have much of a skating community in Norwich, so a lot of the audience members don't know much about the sport. This is a great way for them to see the sport's potential.'

With group synchronised performances, duos, and solos, all skating to classic Christmas songs from Kylie to Michael Bublé, there's plenty on offer for everyone to enjoy.

'Last year's opening performance was brilliant,' Miss Steadman continued.

'There was a good sized audience and they were all really excited by what we were doing.

Eastern Daily Press: Performances from skating enthusiasts to open Norwich Ice Rink at Castle Mall Gardens. Picture: DENISE BRADLEYPerformances from skating enthusiasts to open Norwich Ice Rink at Castle Mall Gardens. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Archant)

'I think it's lovely because it really gets people in the festive spirit, especially as we're all dancing to Christmas music.

'I hope that plenty of people come along to the show, and we can inspire them to get on the ice and have a skate.'

Tickets are selling fast for this year's rink at the Castle Mall Gardens.

To book your place, and guarantee your spot on skates, visit icerinknorwich.co.uk

Eastern Daily Press: Lara Harrold, 9, one of the skaters performing at the opening of the Norwich Ice Rink at Castle Mall Gardens. Picture: DENISE BRADLEYLara Harrold, 9, one of the skaters performing at the opening of the Norwich Ice Rink at Castle Mall Gardens. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Archant)

The ice rink, made with real ice for an authentic skating experience, opens on Friday, December 16, until Sunday, January 8.

The rink will be open daily, except Christmas Day, from 10am, with last admissions at 8pm.