FESTIVE revellers can take to the ice in Newport this Christmas.

Visitors to the city centre from Saturday December 10 will be able to get their skates on and show off their skills on the rink which will be alongside the Riverfront Theatre.

Up to 100 people will be able to skate in a single session, with eight sessions every day, apart from Christmas Day, right through until January 2.

Cllr Mike Hamilton, Newport's leisure and culture cabinet member, said: "We are delighted that Newport will have an ice skating rink in the city centre over the festive period and are particularly proud to have an environmental rink. The rink will be canopied which means that skating can happen whatever the weather."

Special dual-blade skates and ice scooters will available for little ones as young as three can have a go on the ice and there will also be skating options for wheelchair users.

The rink is part of a range of seasonal entertainment including street theatre, junior discos and competitions.

This year’s Christmas festivities will kick off on Sunday November 20 with the lights switch on in High Street. Entertainment including festive storytelling, shopping, street theatre and magic will be taking place from 2pm and at 5pm a special guest will take to the stage with mayor Margaret Cornelious to turn on the Christmas lights.

Once the lights are on, a fireworks display will light up the sky and there will also be a Michael Jackson tribute act performance.

Other acts taking to the stage will include the Venture Players, Vanessa Clarke School of Dance, Newport Pantomime Society, CBeebies Favourites and Demi Holborn.

Skating will start from midday on December 10, with 45-minute sessions running up until 8pm. Tickets will go on sale from October 25 and will be available at the rink as well as in advance from The Riverfront box office on 01633 656757 or www.newport.gov.uk/riverfront.