The cast from the Norwich pantomime have been visiting the rink ahead of its opening.

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)

Christmas is officially upon us, with the Ice Rink opening at the Castle Mall gardens opening on Friday.

The cast from the Norwich Theatre Royal pantomime were lucky enough to get a first look at the finished rink, and were blown away by the festive efforts of the city centre.

David Gant plays Sheriff Phil Hiccup in the cowboy-themed production of Jack and the Beanstalk.

He said: 'I've been coming here for many years now, it's a beautiful city.

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

'But this year the lights and the decoration on the castle and City Hall are superb. Norwich looks absolutely stunning.'

Jack and the Beanstalk at the Norwich Theatre Royal have sponsored the ice rink this year.

John Bultitude is the senior communications officer at the Theatre Royal.

He said: 'We were really keen to get involved with the ice rink because it's such a big part of Christmas.

Eastern Daily Press: Stars from Jack and the Beanstalk pantomime in Norwich visit the ice rink. David Burilin who is Jack.Byline: Sonya DuncanCopyright: Archant 2016Stars from Jack and the Beanstalk pantomime in Norwich visit the ice rink. David Burilin who is Jack.Byline: Sonya DuncanCopyright: Archant 2016 (Image: Archant 2016)

'Because the production and the pantomime both opened this week we think it'll stick in people's mind. They could come to the pantomime and then walk down the hill to the ice rink.

'It's fabulously festive.'

David Burilin plays Jack in the show. He said: 'This pantomime's not like any other. The themes, the jokes, they're so well thought out.

'Norwich is such a special place at Christmas because the vibe is just amazing. We always have good audiences and the locals are lovely. Plus, it's a beautiful city.

Eastern Daily Press: Stars from Jack and the Beanstalk pantomime in Norwich visit the ice rink. David Gant, Sheriff.Byline: Sonya DuncanCopyright: Archant 2016Stars from Jack and the Beanstalk pantomime in Norwich visit the ice rink. David Gant, Sheriff.Byline: Sonya DuncanCopyright: Archant 2016 (Image: Archant 2016)

'We opened on Tuesday and the show's going really well. What's Christmas without an ice rink and pantomime? It's the epitome of Christmas!'

For more information about the pantomime, visit the Theatre Royal website.

Deals for skaters on the ice rink:

Eastern Daily Press: Stars from Jack and the Beanstalk pantomime in Norwich visit the ice rink. David Burilin who is Jack.Byline: Sonya DuncanCopyright: Archant 2016Stars from Jack and the Beanstalk pantomime in Norwich visit the ice rink. David Burilin who is Jack.Byline: Sonya DuncanCopyright: Archant 2016 (Image: Archant 2016)

The Norwich Ice Rink has announced a range of offers in the run up to its grand opening on December 16.

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.

Eastern Daily Press: Stars from Jack and the Beanstalk pantomime in Norwich visit the ice rink.Byline: Sonya DuncanCopyright: Archant 2016Stars from Jack and the Beanstalk pantomime in Norwich visit the ice rink.Byline: Sonya DuncanCopyright: Archant 2016 (Image: Archant 2016)

And those booking for a large group can save some money too, thanks to a 10pc off groups booking for 10 people or more.

About the Norwich Ice Rink:

The 300m2 of real ice which makes the rink isn't all the Castle Meadow site has to offer.

Eastern Daily Press: Stars from Jack and the Beanstalk pantomime in Norwich visit the ice rink.Byline: Sonya DuncanCopyright: Archant 2016Stars from Jack and the Beanstalk pantomime in Norwich visit the ice rink.Byline: Sonya DuncanCopyright: Archant 2016 (Image: Archant 2016)

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, visit http://icerinknorwich.co.uk/ to book your place on the rink.

Eastern Daily Press: Stars from Jack and the Beanstalk pantomime in Norwich visit the ice rink.Byline: Sonya DuncanCopyright: Archant 2016Stars from Jack and the Beanstalk pantomime in Norwich visit the ice rink.Byline: Sonya DuncanCopyright: Archant 2016 (Image: Archant 2016)

To learn more about the building of the ice rink, take a look at our story.