Hundreds enjoy Hastings' Christmas ice rink launch

The popular attraction at Priory Meadow Shopping Centre was opened with a disco featuring entertainment from More Radio presenter Hayley Hammond.

Children of all ages enjoyed the rink, which is decorated with Christmas lights and features fun snow showers and penguin helpers for youngsters to hold on to.

The attraction is open until January 2, with a disco party every Friday night, including Boxing Day.

The first to try out her skills on the ice at the launch party was 11-year-old Megan Ward, a pupil a Homewood secondary school in Tenderden, who was with her mum Stacey Ward, 35, from Rye.

“It’s really good. We were first on the rink and Megan really enjoyed it,” Stacey said.

“We’ve been to other rinks and she likes this one best because it’s a really good size for her.

“It looks really nice, there are lots of pretty lights so it looks great and and it’s all undercover too. There’s a really good atmosphere.”

Hastings college student Becky Stevens, 16, also enjoyed the launch with her mum Sarah Stevens, 35, a Tesco cashier from Hastings.

“It’s really good fun. We come every year and we always really enjoy it,” Sarah said.

“The decorations are really pretty and it looks very Christmassy.”

More Radio’s Hayley also had a go skating on the ice in between playing pop and Christmas-themed songs on launch night.

“There’s a real party atmosphere, and it looks amazing. They’ve done a lot to make it really Christmassy,” she said.

“The barriers are really soft and there are lots of penguins that the younger children can use too.

“I’ve really enjoyed having a go. I can’t pirouette or throw myself in the air but I can do a circuit and that’s been really good fun – I’d love to come back with my family.”

Hayley helped switch on Hastings’ Christmas lights at Priory Meadow with More Radio breakfast show presenter Chris Birks on November 17.

“It’s always so much fun doing events in the community, because More Radio is for the whole family, it was really lovely to be at the ice rink launch party meeting local families and seeing them have a great time,” she said.

A special invite is being extended to Brownie, Scout and Girl Guide groups in the area who wish to book sessions up until 6.30pm, on Monday, December 5, Tuesday, December 6, and Wednesday, December 7.

The groups were disappointed to hear the rink was only open until 6pm on some weekdays which would mean they could not make their annual trip but the shopping centre has made special arrangements.

Priory Meadow manager Stacey Bell said: “The Ice Rink at Priory Meadow Shopping Centre is one of the most fun and best value-for-money real ice rinks in the south east.

“It’s the only Christmas ice rink that is covered, for miles around, which means that customers can skate whatever the weather.

“Having the attraction here always adds to the festive spirit and it’s great to see it bringing so much enjoyment to local people.”

For more information visit www.iceskating.co.uk/priorymeadowhastings

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