WINCHESTER Cathedral celebrated the opening of its annual Christmas Ice Rink this week with a glamorous opening ceremony.

Returning for its 12th year, deputy mayor Cllr Frank Pearson officially opened the annual attraction on Thursday, following a spectacular display on the ice by skaters and carols lead by Winchester Cathedral’s choristers, plus a brief blessing for the ice rink and Christmas market.

Ahead of the official opening, Winchester Cathedral’s all boys choir the choristers took to the ice in their cassocks for their annual skate on Tuesday morning.

Sporting an innovative roof and open sides, the rink now guarantees visitors a rain-free skate, while letting them enjoy the ice rink’s unique setting under the shadow of the ancient and spectacular architecture of Winchester Cathedral.

The ice rink runs until January 7. A standard ticket for the ice rink – which includes an hour’s skating and skate hire – costs £11.50 and tickets are available from the Winchester Cathedral box office on 01962 857275, or online at www.winchester-cathedral.org.uk.