The International Convention Centre Wales (ICC Wales) has brought a touch of festive magic to South Wales this Christmas, with a host of ice-themed family fun.
We get to glide into Christmas with a dazzling production of Cinderella on Ice, a Happily Ever After-noon Tea and SKATE, the region’s first ever eco-friendly ice rink.
The world-renowned ice dance sensation, THE IMPERIAL ICE STARS, return to South Wales with a breath-taking performance of CINDERELLA ON ICE.
The spectacular adaptation of this enchanting fairytale, performed by the award-winning international dance troupe, features state-of-the-art animated scenery, dazzling costumes and original music and songs from Tim A. Duncan and Edward Barnwell.
Cinderella on Ice has lots of performance times to suit the whole family, running through to the 4th January 2024.
We went along to the World Premiere performance, and as with last year’s show – Peter Pan, were blown away by the talent on stage/ice.
The story itself is pretty much as you’d expect, with a few twists in the tale. What we see on the ice however, is both spectacular and breath-taking. This is a show filled with excitement, drama and some of the most incredible skating and special effects you’ll see anywhere this festive season.
The shows Artistic Director TONY MERCER, who also started the company 40 years ago, has a brilliant eye for what works and entertains us for the 90 or so minutes the show runs. This is much more than taking a classic story and retelling it on ice. Tony has pulled together the most skilled, energetic and talented company of skaters who glide, jump, dance and fly across, and over the ice.
We spoke to Tony before the show began and to some of the audience after the World Premiere to see what they thought of this ice spectacular.
There is something about skating which adds an extra element to any show. There’s the thrill of watching the skaters jump and twirl, at breakneck speeds. To say we were on the edge of our our seats with nervous excitement would be an understatement, it is a truly thrilling thing to watch.
As you could see in the video above, we even had fire on stage.
This truly is a festive show, and when you add other elements available at the ICC it becomes a whole festive experience.
Cinderella on Ice has great costumes and music, with a score which is both original and instantly catchy. We really love the twist Tony has put on this timeless classic and with the help of the narrator, who takes us through the story at various points, it is a brilliant retelling of a tale as old as ice.
CINDERELLA ON ICE is at the ICC Newport, part of the Celtic Manor Collection. Tickets are available to book HERE now, with prices starting from £18*.
As with last year they do have a couple of nice extras if you want to treat the family to something special this Christmas.
Pre-Show VIP Enchanted Lounge Package
For a touch of added sparkle, ticket holders can upgrade their Cinderella on Ice experience to the Enchanted VIP package.
This includes access to the exclusive pre-show Lounge, a selection of tasty pre-show nibbles, a glass of Prosecco or a Palace Mocktail, and a magic wand or a sword for little princes and princesses.
Enchanted VIP tickets are available HERE now for £15 per child and £20 per adult**.
Happily Ever After-noon Tea
The magical afternoon tea offers an experience to remember for fairy tale fans. Featuring spellbinding savouries, charming cakes and pastries and freshly baked scones, the enchanted pre-show afternoon tea is served in the wonderful tearoom at the ICC Wales with spectacular views overlooking Coldra Woods.
The Happily Ever After-noon tea is priced at £18 per child and £32 per adult. Bookings are available HERE.
SKATE at ICC Wales
Last but by no means least, families can create magical memories at the first ever eco-friendly indoor ice rink to come to South Wales.
Perfect for seasoned skaters and beginners alike, this is traditional ice skating with a twist. It looks like ice and feels like ice but is made with glice, a smooth and synthetic ice which is kinder to the planet, with 0% additional emissions and 100% fun.
After working up an appetite, skaters can eat, drink and be merry at the ICC Wales, with a host of food and drink stalls serving up delicious street food and a festive tipple or two.
There is even a selection of gift stalls offering a variety of unique items so festive revellers can tick Christmas shopping off the to-do list.
Skating sessions are available to book HERE now, with ticket prices starting from £8***.
We did go along to try the whole experience as you can in our Instagram post @southwaleslife
