Tickets on sale for ice skating in Tunbridge Wells including free tickets for 10 year olds in Calverley Gardens

Tickets have gone on sale for ice skating this Christmas - and there's a special treat for 10-year-olds.

It will be the tenth year that the Skate Tunbridge Wells will come to Calverley Gardens in Tunbridge Wells - and children who share a birthday with the attraction could get to skate for free.

The rink, which is open from Friday, November 13 to Sunday, January 3, is offering a free ticket to skaters who also turned 10 this year.

For Skate 2020 organisers Tunbridge Wells Borough Council will have reduced capacity to allow for social distancing and there will be no toddler rink this year, to allow the main rink to be bigger. Last year around 40,000 people visited last year.

Cabinet member Cllr Jane March said: "It’s fantastic to know that it’s still going ahead despite all the problems of 2020.

"A skating trip to Calverley Grounds is now a must-do for many of us during the Christmas period and I think this year, more than ever, it will be wonderful to do something that is reassuringly familiar but still safe and within government guidelines."

The Assembly Hall Theatre, which manages the rink for the council, is asking visitors and staff to wear a face covering and comply with NHS Track and Trace.

Additional skates will be in stock to allow time for cleaning and sanitisation and there will be extra space in the skate changing area to enable social distancing. Enhanced cleaning, more toilets and sanitiser stations are included in the measures being applied.

This year the bar and café alongside the rink will be in a semi-open marquee and there will be increased outdoor seating.

There will be parent and toddler sessions at 9.15am at weekends and, following its popularity last year, curling will be available during some of the evening sessions.

Prices start at £8 for children and £12 for adults. Book at skatetw.co.uk , or call 01892 530613. On-the-day online tickets can be bought at the rink subject to availability. The free ticket for 10-year-olds is subject to availability and during Saver sessions only. Proof of age will be needed.

For more suggestions of things to do with the kids in Kent please visit www.mykentfamily.co.uk