DINOSAURS, superheroes and classic disco are just some of the sizzling themes that those preparing to get their skates on can enjoy in Sunderland from next week (Fri 22 July 2022).
As part of a packed programme of entertainment through the summer months, created by Sunderland BID and Sunderland City Council, the city’s roller skating rink is about to open – with a number of special sessions on offer.
The rink, at Keel Square, will launch at 11am on 22 July 2022 and run all the way through until 4 September 2022 and, along with the day-to-day skating opportunities, visitors can also enjoy some themed events every week.
From Saturday 23 June – and on every following Saturday up until 3 September – there will be a live DJ from 7pm to 8pm, providing music for everyone to skate along to, including Frankie and the Heartstrings’ Frankie Francis bringing back the popular Cool For Cats set on Saturday 30 July.
On 24 July will offer the first opportunity to skate to summer anthem music from 7pm to 8pm, with the same session being run every Sunday evening while the rink is in place.
And occupying the same time slot on Friday 29 July, Saturday 5 August and Friday 12 August there will be skating to the sounds of the 70s, 80s and 90s on each respective evening.
Children are being well catered for and can enjoy time on the rink while in the company of some of their favourite cartoon characters.
On Monday 25 July there is a session alongside some dinosaurs, while the following day those on the rink will come face to face with Marvel superheroes and villains. Both sessions run from 11am until noon.
Children’s characters will also be out in force on Tuesday 2 August, Tuesday 9 August, Monday 15 August, Tuesday 16 August, Tuesday 23 August, Monday 29 August and Tuesday 30 August, where those skating can enjoy the company of everyone from princesses to fairies.
Also likely to be a firm favourite is the morning slot on Monday 22 August, where favourite Disney characters will be out and about.
Fans of show tunes can enjoy skating to the very best of the West End on both the 1 and 8 August for an hour from 11am and organisers have also made sure that those who have sensory issues or special educational needs are well catered for.
From 11am until noon on every Thursday from 28 July there will be a quiet session, with no background music so those who need to can skate in peace.
Sharon Appleby, Chief Executive of Sunderland BID, believes it will be really popular.
“We know how much people love the ice rink every Christmas time so we are sure this will be something that people of all ages will enjoy,” she said.
“As well as just turning up for regular skating, we’ve put together lots of different themed sessions, which will just add an extra fun element to the experience.
“It’s an activity that all the family can enjoy, which is why we’ve created a programme which we believe caters for everyone.”
The roller rink will be open from 11am to 8pm and tickets cost £10 for adults, £8 for five to 17-year-olds, £4 for those aged four and under and £28 for a family ticket and
prices include the hire of roller boots, kneepads and helmets. No advance booking is necessary.
There are also a number of options available for anyone interested in a private party at the rink.
To enquire about group bookings and advertising packages contact [email protected].
Further information/updated details on all the sessions can be found at www.sunderlandbid.co.uk/roller-rink