With children breaking up for school in the next week, families are invited to head into Bournemouth’s Gardens of Light and immerse themselves in the ultimate festive experience that includes skating under the stars, exploring an award-winning lighting display and paying a visit to the big man himself – Santa!
Bournemouth’s outdoor ice rink is open daily until 4thJanuary and can be found nestled among the Gardens of Light – a collection of award-winning Light Pods providing interactive sound and light experiences for children and families to enjoy for free. One of the pods, named the Hippodrome and featuring a dazzling display of disco balls, actually sits on the ice rink providing a popular backdrop for group shots and selfies.
The rink is supported by local radio station, Wave 105, and their charity, Cash for Kids. There is even an option to donate to the charity when booking tickets online.
Families are welcome at the ice rink and this year, a colony of bright orange seals is on standby – all ready to act as skating aids for children! For the first time, there is a fully-functional, indoor café bar next to the rink, complete with cool, icy decor and modern seating, providing weary skaters and spectators with a haven in which to warm up with hot food, drinks or alcoholic beverages.
The café bar is also home to an impressive display from Mathmos, Poole-based inventors of the original lava lamp. A British heritage brand and founded in 1963, Mathmos lava lamps have been in continuous production in Dorset for over 50 years.
Lisa Tucker, Chair of Bournemouth’s Business Improvement District (BID), said: “This year, we wanted to make sure that there was something different and free for families to enjoy during the festive period. The Light Pods are very unique and have become a focal point for people visiting the town at this time of year.
“The ice rink is always very popular but this year it’s bigger than ever and the addition of the café bar, to include the visual spectacle of the lava lamps, is another reason to pop down in the holidays even if you’re not skating!”
The rink is open until 9pm each evening so nocturnal thrill-seekers can glide by in the moonlight accompanied by party anthems and disco classics, especially on Friday nights from 7.30 – 9.30pm when the rink plays out Wave 105’s selection of floorfillers.
Away from the hustle and bustle, the Bandstand is home to a magical grotto where children can visit Santa up until Christmas Eve.
For details of all attractions, including booking options, prices and opening times, visit makeitbournemouth.co.uk.
