A TEMPORARY ice-rink will return to the Villa Marina Gardens at the end of this month.
The Sure Winter Skate ice-rink proved a massive hit in the gardens last winter and Kyran Bracken, former England rugby union player and Dancing on Ice star, will be visiting the Isle of Man to launch the rink on July 29 and July 30.
The rink will open to the public on Friday, July 30 for five consecutive weeks, closing on the evening of September 7.
The opening times will be 10am to 10pm every day, with tickets available to book online at www.sureskate.com
A special Sure Summer Skate ice-cream will be launched by Davison’s who will be selling ice cream and refreshments on- site.
Sure customers can skate at the reduced rate of £5 on Friday, July 30 and Saturday, July 31.
Customers will be sent a discount voucher via text which should be shown at the box office - subsequently discounted bookings can only be made in person (not online) and are subject to availability.
Plans for a Sure Summer Skate School to run in conjunction with the season have also been confirmed. The course is open to children and teenagers aged seven - 17-years-old with two five day courses to choose from: Monday, August 2 to Friday, August 6 and Monday, August 9 to Friday, August 13.
The school will be run by Karen Barber, ex-Olympic skater and former judge on ITV’S popular Dancing on Ice show.
Karen is also a NISA Level 4 Coach who works with all the celebrities on Dancing on Ice to perfect routines devised by former World Champions Torvill and Dean.
She said: "I was given such a great reception last year by everyone here. I know that the Sure Summer Skate is going to be a great success and that everyone will enjoy it."
Sure Summer Skate School costs £100, which includes five daily sessions from 10am to 12.30pm, Monday to Friday. Participants will also receive a free skate pass to be used during the week outside of skate school.
Anyone interested in the Sure Summer Skate School should e-mail: sureskateiom@gmail.com
Mike Stanton, Sure country manager said: "We are excited about bringing skating back to the Island this summer. There was a lot of demand for professional coaching over the winter event so we’re sure that the Skate school will be well received."
Community Culture and Leisure Minister David Cretney MHK said: "After the success and enthusiasm over the Christmas period, when over 30,000 skaters took to the ice, I am delighted that the Sure Skate Ice Rink is returning to the Villa Marina Gardens this summer.
"I am also very pleased that as well as enjoying the ice, skaters have the opportunity to receive professional coaching and learn techniques that will enhance their enjoyment further. With Sure Summer Skate, concerts and shows all confirmed there will be something for everyone to enjoy at the Villa Marina and Gaiety Theatre this summer."
Sure have also signed a contract to secure the Sure Winter Skate for the next two years, meaning the Villa Marina Gardens will yet again be transformed into a skating winter-wonderland this Christmas.
