Hampton Court Palace Ice rink

[jamiewells]

This Christams there will be an ice rink at Hampton Court Palace, Surrey. UK. http://hamptoncourticerink.com

Anybody have any comments or suggestions to make this a success?

[dooobedooo]

Great idea. I think it should be really successful.

Assuming this will be an outdoor rink with a classical palace/garden backdrop, I'd take a lead from the Somerset House style - a classic Christmas. That means music (classical, movies, anything cheesy with a snow theme or Christmassy theme, some classic pop tunes maybe); food (mulled wine, hot chocolate, mince pies, roast chestnuts); lighting (maybe some torches, maybe light show at night); hospitality (some warm tents with plastic glazing so you can watch the skating).

It would also be nice to have a full size Olympic rink if possible.

Also, it will be nice if the rink is open all day and evening, even when the Palace is not open.

I wonder if you could put a small show on? Perhaps the Russian Ice Stars could do something if they are in the country touring?

What would also be wonderful would be a demonstration of classic English figures done in full Victorian costume. There is a society for classic English Figures - believe they still meet at Guildford or Sobell or somewhere. They are good fun to watch because there are group exercises as well as solo exercises. Or perhaps you could get some of those Fen skaters down from Peterborough to give a demonstration on Fen skates.

In fact, with the idea of shows, perhaps you could have a regular show spot at weekends and invite local synchro teams and club team skaters to perform for half an hour or so at a set time?

If possible, it would be nice to offer some instruction, particularly for complete beginners.

Don't forget to give it plenty of publicity!

(PS. could you check the URL- it doesn't work for me, yet - thanks)

[tdnuva]

Originally posted by dooobedooo
(PS. could you check the URL- it doesn't work for me, yet - thanks)

There was the typical "www" missing....

http://www.hamptoncourticerink.com/

[sk8er1964]

How cool! I wish I still lived there...I'd be there in a flash!

[dooobedooo]

PS. Another thing I have seen done with outdoor ice rinks: instead of having plastic glazing on the tents, you could also have a portion which is open to the elements, with infra-red heaters (the free-standing mushroom-shaped ones can be hired - depends on cost, I guess). Also, strings of fairy lights look very pretty at night.

[jamiewells]

Thanks for the suggestions. Ticket sales are going well. Here's to a white christmas!