IW synchronized skating teams and individual skaters will be helping to launch Gunwharf Quay’s Festive Winterland on Saturday 4 December.
Skaters will take part in four 15-minute shows throughout the day on what organisers say is the region’s largest open-air ice rink. Skating performances are scheduled for 11:30am, 1pm, 3pm and 5pm, although these may depend on the weather.
Recently crowned British junior synchronized skating champions the Wight Jewels will be performing to Portsmouth’s shoppers during all four shows. Two of the IW’s top free skaters, Archie Bicknell and Maggie Read, are among those with solo spots. Archie and Maggie, who recently competed in the Welsh championships, will also accompany performances by Grammy-winning acapella group The Swingle Singers.
Later shows are planned for Thursday 16 December at 7.30pm and 8.30pm (2nd performance cancelled because of poor weather), and Sunday 19 December at 11am, 1pm and 3pm (all three performances now cancelled because of the snow). These later shows will also show off the talents of the IW’s juvenile synchro team, the British championship-winning Wight Crystals, and preliminary-level team the Wight Gems.
The rink, which uses artificial ice, is open to the public from Friday 3 December. Further details are available at: http://www.gunwharf-quays.com/
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