Last week, the Hampton Court Palace Ice Rink was announced to the public in magical style.
One of Surrey’s most popular ice-skating venues, its annual launch took place on Thursday 16th November, against the breath-taking backdrop of Henry VIII’s Tudor palace.
The event all took place in one building, and incorporated skating, food, drink and a spectacular ice performance to create the perfect introduction for what promises to be another very special winter experience at Hampton Court over the next two months.
Upon entry, guests were immediately greeted by smiling staff serving free food, cheery Christmas music (provided by Michael G Moore, the Piano Animal) and hanging lights, surrounded by walls decorated with ice skating facts. To the left of the entrance hall was skate collection, where more courageous visitors could go and collect footwear for a trip out onto the ice. Many guests reported that they found the whole atmosphere ‘so festive‘ and that there was a real Christmas feel-good feeling in the air.
Further on into the building, and a cosy bar serving free alcohol and cold drinks led onto a terrace bathed in green lights, where individuals or groups could sit, enjoy their free food and watch others on the rink, perhaps summoning up the courage to go skating themselves.
Two professional ice skaters, Tippy Packard and Brendyn Hattfield, that have performed on the popular TV show ‘Dancing on Ice’, set the tone for the evening with their extremely impressive routine. It featured jumps, spinning, incredible feats of flexibility and an extraordinary level of danger, though the pair made even the most terrifying of tricks seem perfectly straightforward.
When asked afterwards whether a lot of preparation had gone into the act, they admitted that there had been ‘quite a bit of rehearsing’ before the day. Packard and Hattfield were both very complimentary of Hampton Court’s rink, describing it as ‘really really cool’ and explaining that it was ‘so much fun skating outdoors’ in the ‘cold fresh air’.
The rink itself was a perfect picture: a Christmas tree stood pride of place at its centre, looming over skaters; purple, pink and yellow lights flashed across the surface; leaves were strewn across its icy floor and skaters were able to still hear some happy Christmas tunes whilst they glided across.
Magician Stephen Barry provided another source of entertainment, as armed with just a pack of cards, a single dice and his shiny, clip-on tie, he delighted guests throughout the evening with his weird and wonderful tricks. He enjoyed performing at Hampton Court, saying he ‘loves these sorts of events’ and that the ice rink ‘looked so impressive with the backdrop of the palace, and the Christmas tree, and everyone looks so happy’.
Many of these happy skaters spoke approvingly of the free food that was served at the event by the friendly and smiling waiters. A variety of tasty dishes were on offer throughout the night, including venison haunch sausage rolls, bowls of beef and vegetables, and pumpkin cheddar chestnuts. The overall reception of the launch was overwhelmingly positive, with everyone enjoying it and many noticing the brilliant atmosphere. One woman recommended the setting as ‘good for children in the day, but also a good place to maybe have something like a date night in the evening for others.’
It's clear to see that Hampton Court Palace Ice Rink will be a brilliant way for families, couples and more to create memories and enjoy themselves over the Christmas months, with everyone welcome, whether they are getting out onto the ice or simply watching the fun unfold. The rink is open every day except Christmas between the 17th November and the 7th January, supported by an on-site café and bar, so go clip up your skates and enjoy your time at a magical, beautiful and historical venue.
For more information and to book skating tickets and party packages, please visit www.hamptoncourtpalaceicerink.co.uk.
