Press release

Following a hugely successful first year, which attracted more than 120,000 ice skaters, the Natural History Museum and IMG are delighted to announce that the Natural History Museum Ice Rink is returning this winter along with a traditional Victorian Christmas Fair and some new additions.

Last year the outdoor rink was one of the most glamorous locations in London, providing thousands of families, friends, couples and children with the ultimate Christmas experience, day and night. It was also the place to be for A-List celebrities with Orlando Bloom, Craig David, Rob Lowe, Elle Mcpherson, Jose Mourinho and Jonathan Ross all skating on the ice.

The Ice Rink, sponsored by British Airways, will be open from 9th November 2006 to 21st January 2007 and tickets will go on sale to the public on 22nd September 2006. The rink, spanning 1000m2, has an accompanying junior rink and a backdrop of the grand setting of one of the capital's most famous and popular visitor attractions.

Alongside the rink will be a newly-designed and more extensive Christmas Fair providing seasoned shoppers with thirty-six chalets of gifts, handmade crafts and decorations. As the winter evenings close in, the Ice Rink will be transformed once again into a magical setting with 76,000 Christmas lights in the surrounding trees, illuminating the rink and making the most of this impressive venue.

Overlooking the Ice Rink is a Café Bar providing visitors with the best view of the rink. Due to popular demand the Café Bar has been expanded this year and will have a late licence for visitors on selected evenings. Skaters are also invited to relax in the new mini British Airways Travel Spa Experience, offering a selection of complimentary treatments. Again this year the Café Bar will be serving a delicious winter menu and giving spectators and non-skaters a chance to unwind with mulled wine in the fully-licensed bar, while the action takes place on the rink.

British Airways is the lead sponsor of the Ice Rink & Christmas Fair, whilst Lindt Chocolate have joined as an associate sponsor and will be making over the rink for an enchanted Winter Wonderland Day 9th December.  They will provide luxury chocolate treats and entertainment for all attending and host a Master Chocolatier retail stall.Heart 106.2, the official radio partner, will provide music for skaters and will be broadcasting their Club Classic nights throughout the winter from the rink, further details to follow.

The Ice Rink will be available to hire, on an exclusive basis, for parties and events throughout the opening season. The combination of the stunning setting of the Natural History Museum with an Ice Rink, Christmas Fair and Café Bar will provide everyone - from families to couples, school groups to parties, tourists to Londoners - with the ultimate winter experience.

Listing's Information

ICE RINK

Location
Address  Cromwell Road, London, SW7 5BD
Nearest tube  South Kensington (District & Circle Line)
Buses 14, 49, 70, 74, 345, 360, 414 and C1

Opening Dates  9th November 2006 to 21st January 2007

Times   Daily from 10am - 10pm

Booking
Online Booking www.nhmskating.com/www.ticketmaster.co.uk
In Person  Box office at the Natural History Museum open from 9th November
Phone   0870 060 1780

Ticket prices  
Children  £7.50 (12 & under) 
Adults   Monday - Friday before 5.15pm £10.50 / after 5.15pm & weekends £12
Families   £30 (2 adults & 2 children or 1 adult & 3 children)
Concessions  Monday - Friday before 5.15pm £9.50 / after 5.15pm & weekends £11

**All of the above prices are subject to booking fees and a fixed transaction charge

Schools   
Phone  0870 1609 746 (Monday - Friday 9.00-18.30)

CHRISTMAS FAIR

Opening Dates:  21st November - 2nd January
Closed:   Every Monday, 25th & 26th December

Opening Times:   Tuesday & Wednesday 10am - 6pm
   Thursday - Saturday 10am - 9pm
   Sunday 10am - 7pm
   Will close at 4pm on 24th December

Information:  www.nhmskating.com