PAUL SAVIDENT: Press Release re Hampton Court Palace Ice Rink

At Christmas time in Tudor days, Frost Fayres on the ice of the frozen River Thames were regular events – with the frozen river solid enough for people to walk from one bank to another, people would take to the ice for fun and games.

For the first time Hampton Court Palace will re-create some of this traditional winter fun when it hosts an exciting six week season of ice-skating in a truly splendid and historic setting, in conjunction with PWR Events. Over December and January an open air ice rink will take centre stage outside the West Front of this famous Thameside residence of King Henry VIII’s.

Hot chocolate, festive snacks and other treats will be available from the rink-side Frost Fayre Café for those wanting to take it easy and relax after their skate or whilst watching others take to the ice.

Rod Giddins, Palace Director at Historic Royal Palaces, said ‘Hampton Court Palace has historically been a place of unique entertainment fit for kings and queens. The ice rink planned for this Christmas continues this tradition, providing a truly magical and memorable experience with Hampton Court Palace as the stunning backdrop”.

‘As a local company we are very pleased to be working alongside Hampton Court Palace to create an event that we hope will become an annual tradition at this great palace’.

….Jamie Wells - Director PWR Events Ltd

The rink can accommodate up to 225 people for each of its one hour sessions and demand is expected to be such that advance booking is recommended. Tickets are available in person from the Hampton Court Palace Box Office or by phone or over the internet from Ticketmaster (details below). Joint tickets for skating and entry to Hampton Court Palace are also available giving an opportunity to enjoy more of the spectacular Tudor setting.

For more information on the Ice Rink and PWR Events contact Paul Savident on 020 7734 8400, or by e-mail to paul@savident.com or richard@savident.com

For more information on Hampton Court Palace contact Vikki Wood, Senior Press Officer, Historic Royal Palaces on 020 7488 5662/3, or by e-mail to vikki.wood@hrp.org.uk

NOTES TO EDITORS

HAMPTON COURT PALACE ICE RINK

Open Saturday 6^th December 2003 to Sunday 18^th January 2004 (not Christmas Day)

TICKET PRICES per session including skate hire

Adult: £8.50 • Children (under 16): £6.50 • Concessions: £7.50

Family ticket (1 Adult and 3 children or 2 adults and 2 children): £26.00

For details of the joint admission ticket for Hampton Court Palace and the ice rink, please ask at the time of booking.

TICKETS AND ADVANCE BOOKING

Tickets go on public sale on Tuesday 1 July 2003

In person: Hampton Court Palace Box Office (no booking fee)

Telephone: Ticketmaster 0870 060 1778 (booking fees apply)

On-line: www.ticketmaster.co.uk (booking fees apply)

For School Parties and Corporate bookings call PWR Events direct on 020 8241 9818

TIMED SKATING SESSIONS

There will be 10 one hour skating session per day from 10.00am

10.00am – 11.00am • 11.00am – Noon • 12.15pm – 1.15pm • 1.15pm – 2.15pm

2.30pm – 3.30pm • 4.00pm – 5.00pm • 5.00pm – 6.00pm • 6.15pm – 7.15pm

7.30pm – 8.30pm • 8.45pm – 9.45pm

Minimum skate size: Children’s size 8 (eight) Maximum skate size: Adult size 13 (thirteen)

Web Address: www.hamptoncourticerink.co.uk

HAMPTON COURT PALACE

Hampton Court Palace was home to some of Britain's most famous kings and queens and the setting for many great events during nearly 500 years of royal history. From the west, Hampton Court is the red brick Tudor palace of Henry VIII (1509-1547). From the east it is a stately Baroque façade, designed by Christopher Wren for William III (1689 -1702). The magnificent State Apartments are furnished with great works of art and reflect the different tastes of the royal residents.

Situated besides the Thames, Hampton Court Palace has over 600 acres of parkland, including 60 acres of formal gardens with fountains, ponds and the elaborate Privy Garden restored six years ago.

Hampton Court Palace is part of Historic Royal Palaces, a registered charity. Registered office is Hampton Court Palace, Surrey, KT8 9AU.

For more information see the Historic Royal Palaces website: www.hrp.org.uk

Directions

By TRAIN from Waterloo direct to Hampton Court takes 32 minutes.

By CAR exit junctions 10 and 12 on the M25.

By UNDERGROUND District Line to Wimbledon and main line to Hampton Court.