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It has been mentioned in the local papers. Sounds good to me too. If I get a moment I will try and find out more and put it on the RWWS site.

Shame I can't skate!

Edited for Google visitors: This is Windsor; The Queen's Castle link.

8th September 2005

Windsor residents and visitors alike will be skating on festive ice this Christmas as part of Alexandra Gardens is transformed into a giant outdoor ice rink for the holiday period.

The newest star in the town's line-up of seasonal attractions is an 800-square metre outdoor real ice rink to be sited at the riverside park for six weeks from the end of November until the first week of January. Provided by London-based PWR Events working in partnership with the Royal Borough, the real-ice rink - measuring 25m by 32m - will cater for 240 skaters each hour with ten one-hour skating sessions every day from 10am to 10pm.

Its debut in Windsor this Christmas follows the success of similar ice skating rinks set up in previous winters at Hampton Court Palace, Kew Gardens and the Old Royal Naval College at Greenwich.

Each of the rinks comes complete with an integral caf in Windsor's case the Thames Caf which will serve hot drinks and festive snacks for skaters after their sessions or for spectators to watch the action on the ice. There will be no entrance fee for the caf.
Cllr Richard Fagence, lead member for leisure and cultural services, said: "What a wonderful, unique asset this will be to Windsor in the run-up to Christmas and into the New Year.

"An ice rink will really add to the traditionally festive feel of the town and help to generate a real sense of community and seasonal goodwill among local residents and visitors alike.

I cannot think of a better way to get into the Christmas spirit than by wrapping up warm and taking to the ice so come on everyone, give it a go at Windsor's very own winter wonderland!"

Cllr David Eglise, chairman of Windsor and Eton Town Partnership Board, said: "The attraction of an ice rink will undoubtedly bring in visitors to the town over the Christmas period, which will in turn boost trade among local shopkeepers and businesses.

"But just as important, it will bring a great deal of enjoyment to the community, particularly for families and children who come into town to spend their leisure time together. I am sure this exciting new activity will be an unqualified success."

Paul Roach, Windsor and Eton town manager, said: "The Royal Windsor Ice Rink will be a fitting centrepiece to Windsor and Eton's Christmas programme this year.

"One of the highlights of the programme will be a spectacular Victorian-themed ceremony to switch on the Christmas lights with a children's lantern procession and live reindeer parade with live entertainment through the Christmas season."
The innovative winter wonderland will open to the public every day except Christmas Day from Saturday November 26 until Sunday January 8.

There will be ten one-hour skating sessions every day between 10am and 10pm, with short periods between certain sessions for ice cleaning.

Sessions will be: 10 11am, 11am 12midday, 12.15 1.15pm, 1.30-2.30pm, 2.45 3.45pm, 4 5pm, 5.15 6.15pm, 6.30 7.30pm, 7.45 8.45pm and 9 10pm.

Ticket prices (to include skate hire) are 9.50 per adult, 7 for children under 16 and 8 for concessions. A family ticket two adults and two children or one adult and three children will cost 28.

There will be a 25% discount for Royal Borough Advantage Card holders from Monday to Friday on the first and last weeks (Monday November 28 to Friday December 2 inclusive and Monday January 2 to Friday January 6 inclusive.)

There is no entrance charge for the Thames Caf, which will be open for skaters and spectators alike.