Grab your skates! Cool Coast Ice Rink is back!

Cool Coast Ice Rink, the South Coast’s largest seasonal indoor ice-skating rink, returns to Bournemouth International Centre (BIC) this month.

Last year, the popular attraction saw more than 40,000 attendances. And this year there are lots of new sessions to accommodate even more.

Skate sessions will run between 9:00am-10:00pm (session times vary) seven days a week from Saturday 30 November 2024 – Sunday 23 February 2025. A range of skate sessions and ticket types will be on sale, including individual, accessible, and family rates. Group concessions and private rink hire are also available.

Last year’s season saw the introduction of Cool Coast Ice Rink’s relaxed sessions, an opportunity for visitors to skate without loud music and with the rink’s main hall and festoon lighting switched on to provide a calmer, relaxed experience for individuals.

This year’s relaxed skating sessions will return on Wednesdays 4pm-5:15pm and Saturdays 11am-12:15pm. These sessions may benefit those with additional needs or sensory requirements, such as sensitivities to loud noises or limited vision, as well as those with learning difficulties or who are neurodivergent.

Brand-new for this year is the introduction of the advanced skate session, an opportunity for more confident skaters to show off their skills on the ice every Saturday at 8:45pm (age restrictions apply).

Want the rink all to yourself? Cool Coast Ice Rink’s new private hire packages give 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 large groups looking to organise a celebratory occasion, corporate team-building session, party, or more*.

The Alpine Bar returns to provide the perfect space for spectators, serving up a delicious selection of hot and cold drinks, grab-and-go food, as well as winter warmer treats such as mince pies, mulled wine, and hot chocolate.

Cool Coast Ice Rink is operated by registered charity BH Live in partnership with BCP Council.

This year, visitors to Cool Coast Ice Rink will enjoy an enhanced welcome to the venue thanks to a multi-million-pound partnership project by BCP Council and BH Live. In addition to technological advancements, refurbishments have completed in the venue’s Purbeck foyer, which include the installation of a living roof, and a modernised entrance complete with brand-new glazing, improved outdoor signage, and bathroom facilities.

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

“We are delighted to welcome visitors back to Cool Coast Ice Rink to enjoy some seasonal active fun during the winter months. Cool Coast Ice Rink is already a much-anticipated attraction enjoyed by skaters of all abilities. We’re really pleased to be able to deliver a more accessible experience this year by providing advanced skate sessions and relaxed sessions. We hope that these new sessions provide a more welcoming and enjoyable experience for all.”

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

For more information about Bournemouth International Centre and what’s on, visit bic.co.uk.

-ENDS-

Notes to Editors:

Gloves, socks and warm clothing are recommended for visitors.

Opening and session times vary. Further information is available online at coolcoasticerink.co.uk.

All sessions include 15 minutes to put skates on, 60 mins on the ice, and 15 mins at the end to take skates off. Prices include skate hire, however, visitors may bring their own skates if desired. Entry is free for spectators when accompanying paying skaters.

Wheelchair users are welcome on the ice across both relaxed and standard skate sessions. Accessible skate tickets, which include free skate access for one carer, are also available, further details can be found online.

Advanced Skater Sessions are aimed at advanced skaters only and run every Saturday at 8:45pm. Under 4s are not permitted on the ice. Under 12s must be accompanied on the ice at all times (one adult may accompany up to three under 12s).

Please speak to a member of our Cool Coast Ice Rink team in-centre or reach out at coolcoasticerink.co.uk/contact-us for any further queries.

*Standard private hire rate:
· When: Monday to Friday, day sessions up to and including 2:15pm (term time only; excludes weekends and bank holidays)
· Price: £880.00 inc. VAT. Includes up to 16 skate mates per session (height restrictions apply up to 1.4 metres)

School private hire rate:
· When: Monday to Friday, day sessions up to and including 2:15pm (term time only; excludes weekends and bank holidays)
· Price: £730.00 inc. VAT – includes up to 16 skate mates per session (height restrictions apply up to 1.4 metres)

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, X – @BHLIVE_UK | 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

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:

X @BHLIVE_UK | Facebook & Instagram @BournemouthInternationalCentre