A Christmas Spectacle of Ice and Lights

Ice Skating was my sport as a child / teen.  


I fell in love with the sport after watching Torville and Dean and although I will never ever be able to match their skating prowess I did enjoy my skating lessons and the ice discos as a teenager before our local rink closed down.

I was really excited to be invited to the dazzling new Christmas event – The Gardens of Light which is on at the Lower Gardens in Bournemouth, running from 16th November – 6th January.  One of the highlights is the real outdoor skating rink and I couldn’t wait to get those boots on my feet.

Joining me on the ice were my sons Kian and Isaac alongside Joanne from CharlieMoos, her son Charlie and daugther Megan.

Bournemouth Gardens



The last time Kian went ice skating was at Eden Project over 5 years ago where it was like watching the spider Bogat in Harry Potter when it had roller skates on.  I spent pretty much the whole session crying with laughter whilst Daddy helped him round.  I couldn’t skate as was pregnant with Isaac at the time.



Because of this, I made the decision to hire Isaac the Penguin which he could use as a support to guide him around the ice – I am so glad I did as it did save us from any nasty falls, although he did end up on his knees a few times.

Bournemouth Gardens



It appears that ice Skating is not like riding a bike……you forget everything! Well not quite, but it took me ten minutes to find my balance without wobbling.  It was a challenge trying to help Isaac, Charlie and Megan who were using Joanne, the barrier and I as their balance aids.

Bournemouth Gardens
After a couple of faltering laps we soon got the hang of it. Kian was no longer Bambi on Ice and started to get up some speed as he zoomed round the rink.

Lower Gardens

Whilst the Penguin was great, Isaac couldn’t actually figure out how to move and just pushed his feet forwards and backwards.  His excuse “It’s slippery Mummy” made us chuckle though.  I ended up pushing him around for most of the session.

Bournemouth Gardens
Ice skating is tiring, especially on little legs so when Isaac took a break it was my chance actually stand up straight and get some speed up with Kian.

Bournemouth Gardens

Isaac was soon ready to join us again, and fancied a tow this time rather than a push!

Bournemouth Gardens
We were on the ice for an hour, which was the perfect amount of time as my ankles were killing me by the end of the session.

Bournemouth Gardens
We did manage to get a group shot before we left the ice.

Bournemouth Gardens
And one of Isaac with his Penguin.

Bournemouth Gardens

Once we had finished on the ice we explored some of the Light Pods, which are ten unique, interactive light installations to enjoy. The light pods are completely free and each is a unique world of light and colour with its own character to delight your senses.  Our favourite was the disco balls which looked beautiful in the daylight so I can only imagine how spectacular they look once it is dark.


Bournemouth Gardens

We also found Santa was here too, complete with his team of elves and piles of wonderful gifts from Lapland’s toy workshops.  I think Abbey was the most excited one of all my children to meet the big man.

Bournemouth Gardens
The kids all approved of their small gifts.

Bournemouth Gardens


There is also a sensational series of lighting installations combining light and colour with the trees, pathways and the Bourne Stream to be found nestling among the historic and beautiful Bournemouth Lower Gardens.  I cannot wait to go back and visit when the sun goes down after seeing these amazing pictures by Cheryl from www.investinyourchest.co.uk.

Bournemouth

Bournemouth

Bournemouth

Bournemouth














The ‘Moose Bar’ has returned this year, complete with an animatronic joke telling moose, alongside the Christmas Market, Christmas Parades, Pantomime, and, new for 2013, live weekend entertainment on the stage in the town’s square.

Bournemouth

I have to admit I have been disappointed with Bournemouth’s efforts at Christmas in previous years, but this year they have got it so right!!

Cheers!

Bournemouth

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    14 thoughts on “A Christmas Spectacle of Ice and Lights”

    1. I always fancied myself as a professional ice dancer as a child. Of course it was all a fantasy and I could barely get one foot in front of the other! You look like you all had a fantastic day out skating. Do the do penguins for adults?

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    2. I’m a big ice skating fan – tho can’t do anything fancy. Sounds like a great Christmas event in Bournemouth.
      #whatsthestory

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    3. What a fabulous post Kara, sounds like you had the best time. I love those little penguins to keep you upright, inspired idea. Brilliant photos, seems like a superb day. Thank you so much for sharing with #whatsthestory

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    4. Loving the moose bar! I also love the idea of the penguin to help support the less confident children – I think Kitty and Ozzy would need them!
      We’ll have to make a day out of it before Crimbo – thanks for the heads up x

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    5. That looks fab, I’ve only been ice skating once and was terrified so not thought to go with Monkey – those penguins are just what we need! #whatsthestory

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    6. We had a fab day 🙂 Thanks for persuading me to come! Moo is udderly in awe of Kian he’d like to adopt him as his big brother! And who could blame him such a lovely, kind, polite boy and so great with the little ones. A credit to his mum and dad 🙂

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    7. Oh yes when we went skating I had forgot everything! Could have done with the penguin too as not easy with 4 non-skating children falling over too.

      Looks like a gorgeous day and I’m jealous as we haven’t seen father christmas yet.

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    8. Was just debating bringing Syd over one day this week- I knew you would have reviewed it so popped over to see what you thought- looks fab – think we will head down one afternoon and catch it at dusk!

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