Cool Coast Ice Rink glides back into Bournemouth for another season of festive fun

Cool Coast Ice Rink, the South Coast’s largest indoor ice-skating rink, returns to Bournemouth International Centre (BIC)  bringing more sparkle and sessions, plus brand-new themed party nights.

After welcoming tens of thousands of skaters last year, the rink reopens for its winter season on Saturday 13 December 2025 and is open until Sunday 22 February 2026 (closed Christmas Day).

Open seven days a week from 9am to 8:45pm (session times vary), it’s the perfect destination for families, friends, and skating enthusiasts to glide into the season.

Skate sessions and ticket types are on sale, including individual, accessible, and family rates. Group concessions and private rink hire for exclusive use are also available.

Whether you’re a first-time skater or a seasoned pro, there’s a session for everyone on the ice:

  • Beginner Skater Sessions on Saturdays at 9:30am
    The ice is limited to 100 skaters per session and is at a more relaxed pace to help those new to skating, or not as confident on the ice, to find their groove.
  • Advanced Skate Sessions on Saturdays from 8:45pm
    A chance for the more experienced skaters to show off their skills (age restrictions apply).
  • Relaxed Sessions on Wednesdays and Saturdays, January-February 2026
    Enjoy a calmer atmosphere with softer lighting and no loud music – perfect for those who prefer a more peaceful and less intense skate.

New for 2026: themed skate nights!
Get ready to dance on ice! Bring in the New Year in style with themed skate nights, complete with curated playlists delivered by We Break Free DJs, and vibrant vibes*. Glide to Taylor Swift’s hits, relive your Pop Punk glory days, or belt out show tunes at Musicals Night. Each session is designed to bring fans together for a fun, music-filled skating experience like no other.

More information about themed party nights, including how to book to avoid disappointment, is online at coolcoasticerink.co.uk/events.

Want the rink all to yourself? Cool Coast Ice Rink’s private hire packages gives you exclusive access to the rink for an hour for up to 250 people. It’s an ideal option for schools looking to make their PE lessons ‘cooler’ or for larger groups looking to organise a celebratory occasion, corporate team-building session, party, or more. For more information, get in touch at coolcoasticerink@bhlive.org.uk.

After your skate, relax at the Alpine Bar for some winter favourites, including mulled wine, mince pies, hot chocolate, and lots of other hot and cold refreshments. It’s the perfect spot for spectators and skaters alike to soak up the festive atmosphere.

Cool Coast Ice Rink at Bournemouth International Centre is operated by registered charity BH Live.

On behalf of BH Live, Steve Turner, Director of Venues, shared;

“We’re proud to continue delivering high-quality experiences that bring people together. Cool Coast Ice Rink is a brilliant example of how we can transform the BIC into a vibrant, family-friendly destination during the winter months. It’s all about creating a fun, inclusive space where the community can come together and celebrate the festive season. We can’t wait to welcome everyone back.”

Cool Coast Ice Rink promises a winter to remember, full of laughter, lights, and unforgettable memories on ice.

For more information about Cool Coast Ice Rink, including booking and opening times, visit coolcoasticerink.co.uk. Pre-booking is recommended to avoid disappointment.

-ENDS-

Notes to Editors:

*Cool Coast Ice Rink themed skate nights:

Cool Coast presents BAESIC
Friday 16 January 2026 | £18 | 7:15pm-9:45pm
Pop queens, ice dreams! BAESIC is bringing the ultimate skater’s soundtrack and dazzling drag moments to the ice.

Mr. Worldwide on Ice: A Pitbull Skate Night
Friday 23 January 2026 | £18 | 7:15pm-9:45pm
Slip on your skates, Dale! In this special Cool Coast session, you’ll be hitting the ice soundtracked by Pitbull’s most iconic hits.

From Stage to Skates: A Musicals Skate Night
Friday 30 January 2026 | £18 | 7:15pm-9:45pm
Calling all musical theatre lovers! Hit the ice and sing, spin, and sparkle to your favourite show-stopping tunes – the rink is your stage!

Skate It Off! A Taylor Swift Skate Night
Friday 6 February 2026 | £18 | 7:15pm-9:45pm
Hit the rink Swift-style! Spin like you’re “Fearless,” twirl like “Reputation,” and shine like a “Mirrorball” – your Eras Tour stage is here.

The Swipe Left Skate Night: The Biggest Pop Punk Hits
Friday 13 February 2026 | £18 | 7:15pm-9:45pm
Swipe left on heartbreak this Valentine’s Day and instead, swipe right on killer riffs! Pop-punk bangers, sharp turns, and angsty energy all the way.

For more information about BH Live please contact:
Daisy Saunders, PR & Communications Executive
E: press.office@bhlive.org.uk

About BH Live

Champions of community engagement, health and wellness across Dorset, Hampshire, and London

BH Live, a registered charity and social enterprise, is a leading operator of sports and leisure centres, theatres, and event venues. Our vision is to create sustainable and inspiring opportunities, deliver great experiences for our communities, and improve health and well-being.

With a strong commitment to accessibility and community engagement, BH Live continues to enhance the quality of people’s lives, health and wellbeing in the communities it serves.

BH Live was established in 2010. Local authority partners include BCP Council, Portsmouth City Council and Croydon Council.

We are at the heart of the UK’s growing social economy. Together with our partners we are helping to change lives and make a positive impact in the community.

For more visit bhlive.org.uk.

Get social with us:
LinkedIn – BH Live
Facebook – @SocialEnterpriseBHLive
Instagram @bhliveuk

BH Live is a leisure and cultural trust, established in 2010 as a ‘non profit distributing organisation’ (NPDO) for public benefit to promote participation in leisure and cultural events. BH Live is a Company Limited by Guarantee and Registered Charity. Charity No: 1138311. Company No: 07092112.  VAT Reg No: 108 2248 37. BH Live (Enterprises) Ltd, is a Private Company Limited by Shares and a wholly owned subsidiary of BH Live. Company No: 07175626. VAT Reg No: 108 2248 37. Registered Office: Bournemouth International Centre, Exeter Road, Bournemouth, BH2 5BH. Registered in England and Wales.

About Bournemouth International Centre

Bournemouth International Centre (BIC) is operated by the registered charity BH Live in partnership with BCP Council.

Opened in 1984 the venue is set in the heart of Bournemouth, with panoramic views across the bay. It is the south coast’s premier conference, exhibition, entertainment, and hospitality venue, with licensed capacity for up to 10,000 visitors.  Four main halls and a variety of smaller meeting and hospitality areas can be scaled to host events such as multi-hall conferences, exhibitions, meetings, music concerts, dance and comedy performances.

  • Buy tickets online at bic.co.uk
  • Buy tickets by phone 0300 500 0595
  • In person from box offices at Bournemouth International Centre

For call charges, opening times and more visit bic.co.uk.

Get social with us:
Facebook, Instagram – @BournemouthInternationalCentre