South Gloucestershire | Archive | 2005 | November | 5
From the archive, first published Saturday 5th Nov 2005.
THE Mall at Cribbs Causeway's hugely popular Winter Wonderland attraction opens again next Thursday.
The outdoor ice rink and Santa's Castle, which were launched last year, are joined this year by a 22 stall outdoor traditional Christmas market, which will open two weeks later on Friday, November 25.
To get its Winter Wonderland off to a cracking start, The Mall is staging a spectacular pyrotechnic and musical event at the ice rink next Thursday (6-7pm) when visitors will be treated to a display by some of the country's most talented ice dancers and fire performers.
Also at the event will be new punk-pop five-piece band Son of Dork, fronted by ex-Busted star James Bourne, who will give a live performance, including their debut single Ticket Outta Loserville.
Singers from Bristol's Studio 7 organisation will perform their version of Sister Act with a solo by singer Nicole. Of course the real star of the show, Father Christmas will make his appearance by abseiling down the front of The Mall to switch on the Christmas Lights (6.50pm).
Last year thousands of people enjoyed skating outside under trees sparkling with white fairy lights. This year the ice rink, sponsored by Westbury Homes, has been enlarged and can now accommodate up to 150 skaters at a time in hourly sessions.
Sue Boor, of The Mall, said: "Our Winter Wonderland attraction was incredibly popular last year. This year we've made it bigger and better and are looking forward to a really fun build-up to Christmas."
The Castle will close at 3pm on Christmas Eve. The last session for the ice rink on Christmas Eve starts at 5.15pm. The rink will remain open until Sunday, January 8.
Booking for the ice rink is essential to avoid disappointment. To book visit www.mallcribbs.com or call 0117 915 5555 during office hours.
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