Bolton Winter Festival 2018: First look inside ice rink and Santa's Grotto

For the past seven years, one of the staple attractions has been the ice rink in Victoria Square.

The ice rink in Victoria Square.

The rink is run by Ice Aid and Managing Director Tony Boynton is just as excited this year as he was the first time he came to Bolton.

He said: “I’m absolutely delighted, this is the seventh year we’ve been here and every year we come it gets better and better.

“We just can’t wait to open we’re ready to go.”

The staff at the ice rink are all experienced skaters, including a former British dance champion and two ex-ice hockey players.

Mr Boynton has also employed two 16-year-old boys who have both grown up coming to skate at the rink every Christmas.

He added: “We’ve got Adam and Josh, two local lads who’ve actually both learned to skate here.

“Every year I’ve seen them grow and now at 16 they’re more than capable so we’ve employed them.

“This year all our staff can skate so if we get a rush of little kids, we have enough staff to make sure they have a good time. It’s Christmas after all!”

Joshua Roberts, one of the 16-year-olds, came here almost every day last year improving his skating and he now wants to take up ice hockey to put his talents to use.

He said: “I came here originally interested in how to ice skate properly and then last year I came here near enough every single day and enjoyed it and they’ve offered me the job.

“It feels amazing. It’s a really big passion for me and I want to start taking up ice hockey.”

The other 16-year-old Adam Jones, already does play ice hockey for Blackburn Junior Hawks. He has dreams of stepping into the professional game soon.

He added: “I came here when it first came to Bolton and I’ve been playing for Blackburn Junior Hawks for five or six years now.

“This year they’ve given me the job and it’s good to know I can help out.

“For me, at this point skating is a second form of walking. I can just get on the ice and skate. When I’m older I want to play ice hockey professionally.”

New this year is a tipi bar where visitors can get a a tipple or winter warming hot drink or a snack from the sweet treats menu. It will also double up as a stage for performers.

The festivities carry on inside Albert Halls Bolton with Santa’s grotto, the Mayor’s fair and the Christmas pantomime.

Cllr Linda Thomas, Leader of Bolton Council, said: “There is something for everyone to enjoy in our Christmas programme.

“The ice rink is always popular and the tipi bar will be a welcome addition for people wanting to get out of the cold.

“The Albert Halls are at the heart of our Christmas programme – hosting our Mayor’s fair, fabulous festive panto, and a magical new grotto.

“There are also plenty of activities on in the Library, and the market. People can do their shopping, have a great day out and park for free – all part of Christmas in Bolton.”

Part of Santa's Grotto in The Albert Halls.

Tickets for the rink and grotto are available online from www.boltonwinterfestival.com or at the box office in Victoria Square.