Canterbury on Ice will bring Christmas ice rink to Dane John Gardens

The firm behind ITV's hit programme Dancing on Ice will be delivering a rink in Canterbury this winter.

Large enough to cater for 140 skaters per session, the enclosed ice rink will be set up in the Dane John Gardens from Friday, November 29 and tickets for it go on sale this week.

Dubbed Canterbury on Ice, the project looks set to fare better than the previous attempt in 2017, which hit the skids before opening because of financial pressures.

iSkate, one of the UK’s leading companies in the industry, will be installing this year's rink. It will be open every day - except Christmas Day - until the New Year.

The venture will be run directly by the city council, which will look after the booking process, staffing, advertising and security.

No matter the weather, skaters will be able to spin, twist and turn on the ice thanks to an overhead roof.

The rink will be complemented by a variety of food and drink outlets, including sweet and savoury snacks, hot drinks, and alcoholic seasonal drinks at the Christmas bar.

The council’s head of commercial and cultural development, Caroline Cooper, said: "We’re very excited about Canterbury getting its first Christmas ice rink.

"There has been a lot of work taking place behind the scenes to get to this point and now we can finally start talking about it in detail and building up the anticipation.

"The supplier we’ve chosen has a great reputation in the industry and we’ve taken the view that if they’re good enough for Phillip Schofield and Holly Willoughby, then they’re good enough for us too.

"Our rink is going to give people a top quality skating experience and really enhance the city’s existing festive offer. We hope interest will be very high and expect some of the key Christmas dates to sell out rapidly. You’ll need to get your skates on to ensure you don’t miss out."

Opening times vary, but the rink will be open from 10am until 9pm on weekends and during the school holidays.

Tickets go on sale at 9am this Friday (September 20) at canterburyonice.co.uk It will also be possible to turn up and skate, but it will depend on space being available.

Wheelchair users will be able to enjoy the rink and may be accompanied on the ice by a guest, who will be entitled to one free ticket.

Child skate aids can be hired, subject to availability, to help children experience the ice.

Tickets are £12.50 per adult, £9 per child, or £38 for a family ticket.

An ice rink is also coming to Maidstone's Mote Park on Saturday, December 21.

• If you've yet to book your family's Christmas grotto visit learn more here about when tickets go on sale around the county.