The first skaters have got on the ice at the Castle Mall Gardens rink,
It's official. The ice rink at Castle Mall Gardens is open, and visitors are loving it already.
Throughout opening day yesterday, hundreds of people took to the ice and skated through Norwich's winter wonderland.
Maryrisa Chappell is the organiser of the rink, which this year is sponsored by Jack and the Beanstalk at the Norwich Theatre Royal.
She said: 'We're so excited to finally have people on the ice.
'We've planned it so that the rink opening coincides with school holidays, as we wanted to make it as accessible as possible to children and their families.'
Miss Chappell added: 'The rink has been so long in the planning that it's so exciting for us to finally be able to share it with our customers.'
And the rink isn't just a fun afternoon out either.
Skating for one hour burns 350 calories.
Daisy Scott, who will be working at the rink, got her first taste of skating on the rink yesterday.
She said: 'I loved the authentic skating experience. The fact that it's real ice is fantastic, synthetic rinks just don't compare.'
Miss Scott, added: 'It's amazing how quickly your skating can improve as well. With a little bit of bravery and some festive spirit you can come a long way in one session!'
Sophie Urry, who works in Norwich, was also one of the first skaters on the rink.
She said: 'It's a lovely thing to do with your friends, you could make it an evening out.'
Her colleague Anna Melton, added: 'The staff are so friendly as well. I just wish I could skate as well as them!
'The music and lights make for a fantastic atmosphere.'
About the Norwich Ice Rink:
The 300m2 of real ice which makes the rink isn't all the Castle Meadow site has to offer.
With bouncy castle 'Snowy Joey' providing some alternative entertainment for little ones, there's something for everyone.
The ice rink opens on December 16, and runs until January 8, closing on Christmas Day.
But tickets are selling fast, so to guarantee your authentic skating experience, click here to book your place on the rink.
Deals for skaters on the ice rink:
The Norwich Ice Rink has announced a range of offers.
The rink has launched a loyalty card, a bus ride discount, and a group booking offer.
Keen skaters will be pleased to hear that after visiting the rink four times, they'll be skating for free on the fifth, thanks to the launch of a loyalty card.
Also there is a great deal for people travelling to the rink by bus, thanks to a High5 group travel ticket for £8.
And those booking for a large group can save some money too, thanks to a 10pc off groups booking for 10 people or more.
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