Behind the scenes with giant ice rink returning to Lowestoft

From Monday, a hugely popular winter wonderland will be on offer for the next six weeks in Lowestoft - with a giant ice rink taking centre stage alongside festive fun for all the family.

The real ice rink, measuring 300 square metres, returns for a second year after proving to be a festive hit last time out.

The scene last year as the ice rink and winter wonderland transformed the indoor 3G football pitch. Picture: Adventure Island Play Park (Image: Adventure Island Play Park)

Held for the first time ever last year, RAW Soccer on the south Lowestoft industrial estate was given a festive makeover as RAW Ice hit town.

And as Lowestoft's first-ever inside ice rink proved to be an "amazing success" it is now being readied once more this week ahead of ice skating making a "bigger and better" return.

Gearing up for the return to Lowestoft of a giant, real ice rink from next week for the festive season. Picture: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes) All this week staff at the Adventure Island Play Park - the popular indoor soft play facility - and Raw Soccer and Raw Fitness next door at its site on Pinbush Road have been working tirelessly as the giant rink takes shape ahead of opening over the indoor 3G football pitch next week.

The winter wonderland entrance to the real ice rink - gearing up for the return to Lowestoft of the giant rink from next week for the festive season. Picture: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes) Andy Reynolds, co-owner, said: "When we did it last year it was a bit of walking into the unknown, but it was really well received."

Admitting it is a major undertaking to create the giant ice rink, Mr Reynolds said: "We were really pleased with how well received it was last year with everyone who visited.

Getting the giant rink ready - as a real ice rink return to Lowestoft from next week for the festive season. Picture: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes) "It is nice to have a real traditional ice rink being available in town, instead of people having to go elsewhere.

"We learnt a lot from last year and we hope to show that this year with a bigger and even better offering."

Gearing up for a winter wonderland offering as preparations continue to get the giant rink ready for its return to Lowestoft from next week for the festive season. Picture: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes) This includes festive activities aplenty with more SEN skating sessions, new SK8 Unlimited passes, additional Christmas characters - including Elf, Santa Claus and Grinch - as well as bookings for schools, corporate businesses, exclusive skate sessions, ice skating parties and also nights with DJs.

There are also 20 dolphin skating aids available so little ones can enjoy the fun as well.

Launch night

Next Monday's opening launch night will also include a Christmas market in Adventure Island where 18 local businesses will set up stalls and offer festive items and gift ideas plenty.

Gearing up for a winter wonderland offering as preparations continue to get the giant rink ready for its return to Lowestoft from next week for the festive season. Picture: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes) With the ice rink open until January 12, Mr Reynolds said: "We hope people come early, get the bug for it and then fit in as much skating as they can while we're here.

"As far as we're aware this indoor rink was offered for the first time in Lowestoft last year.

"It requires a huge outlay, a huge investment for the business but we are proud to make this offer available for the community.

Gearing up for a winter wonderland offering as preparations continue to get the giant rink ready for its return to Lowestoft from next week for the festive season. Picture: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes)

"We have so much going on - not just with the ice rink, but in Adventure Island we have a Santa's Grotto, stories with Santa, kids workshops and much more - so come down and give us a look.

"We are lucky enough to be able to put what is a real traditional festive activity on - so come and give it a go."

He admitted all the staff have been working "very hard behind the scenes to help put this altogether" - including putting up all the decorations, getting the freezer pipes - which are set to minus 12 - installed, and later this week they will take it in turns to fill it up with water and get the ice ready for the rink.

Gearing up for a winter wonderland offering as preparations continue to get the giant rink ready for its return to Lowestoft from next week for the festive season. The freezer pipes which will soon be covered in water for the ice rink. Picture: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes)

"Everyone plays their part - we have 300sq m of rink and it has to be filled millimetre by millimetre - and then we make sure it is level by walking up and down the pipes for the next few days," Mr Reynolds added.

The public skate prices are £11.50 per child, £13.50 per adult and £45 for a family ticket of two adults and two children.