The Calverley Grounds ice rink opens at 6pm on 26 November with Rock Choir and a free show by professional skaters. 2-for-1 skating follows at 7pm and 8pm.

The Calverley Grounds ice rink opens at 6pm on Thursday 26 November with a free show: Rock Choir singing Christmas songs, then professional skaters and members of British Ice Skating on the ice at around 6.20pm. The rink is run this year by Icescape as Icescape Tunbridge Wells, and it stays open until Sunday 3 January 2027, closed only on Christmas Day.

The company sent us its opening-night plans in reply to our questions. Entry to the venue and watching the performers costs nothing, it says. Skating is ticketed, and the first two public sessions, at 7pm and 8pm, are both 2-for-1.

Who is skating on opening night

The show is put on by a team of professional skaters coached by Chris Boyadji, a former multiple British champion who was named Coach of the Year 2025 by British Ice Skating, according to Icescape. He will be at the rink for the opening.

“I have been working together with Icescape for many years now at their rinks and it has always an amazing experience,” he said. “The rinks are fantastic, and the staff are always very helpful and caring. I can’t remember how many ice rinks we have performed at with Icescape over the years with my team of pro skaters, but what I can say for sure is that we are always looking forward to it because it brings us all together and gets us into the festive spirit away from competitions.”

A child in a black coat and hat pushes a pink seal skating aid across the ice, with an adult skating behind and fairy lights overhead
A young skater with a seal skating aid at Icescape Tunbridge Wells. Photo: supplied by Icescape

The opening night, hour by hour

  • 6pm: the gates open and Rock Choir members sing a mix of Christmas songs.
  • About 6.20pm: the skating show by the professional skaters and members of British Ice Skating.
  • 7pm and 8pm: the first public skate sessions, with 2-for-1 tickets.

Icescape recommends booking skating tickets online in advance, both to be sure of a place and to get the 2-for-1 offer. Online saver prices apply when you book at least a day before your visit; from opening day you can also buy at the box office on site. When we checked the booking system on 5 November, a 2-for-1 ticket was £17 for two skaters online.

Families skate on the floodlit rink, one pushing a wheelchair across the ice, with lit wooden chalets and trees strung with lights behind
Skaters on the rink in Calverley Grounds, including a wheelchair on the ice. Photo: supplied by Icescape

A new operator for the town’s rink

Icescape says the Calverley Grounds rink is “returning this winter, with Icescape taking over the running of the event”. It describes an open-air rink with skate sessions for all ages and food and drink stalls selling seasonal treats.

Jamie Dann, Icescape’s operations director, said: “We can’t wait to open and to welcome everyone to Icescape Tunbridge Wells Ice Rink. The whole team are excited! There’s something truly magical about seeing families and friends come together, making memories and enjoying ice skating. We can’t wait to see you all on the ice.”

Daytime view down onto the rink, full of skaters, with white marquees in the foreground and the buildings above Calverley Grounds behind
The rink in Calverley Grounds by day. Photo: supplied by Icescape

What it means for you

  • Watching is free. You can turn up from 6pm on 26 November and see the choir and the show without a ticket.
  • Book skating ahead. The 7pm and 8pm sessions are the only 2-for-1 sessions that night, and Icescape advises booking online to avoid missing out.
  • The rink runs to 3 January. Session times and prices vary by day; our full guide to the Tunbridge Wells ice rink has every price tier and the rules, and our guide to ice rinks near Tunbridge Wells covers seven others within reach.
Night view of the lit rink from above, with searchlight beams, white marquees on the left and a tree wrapped in blue lights on the right
The rink at night, seen from above Calverley Grounds. Photo: supplied by Icescape

Tickets and session times are on the Icescape Tunbridge Wells website, and the company posts updates on Facebook and on Instagram at @icescapetunbridgewells. The rink’s address is Calverley Gardens, Tunbridge Wells, TN1 1QY. The opening is part of a busy few weeks in town: see what’s on in Tunbridge Wells and the Christmas market.

Icescape Tunbridge Wells poster: two cartoon penguins skating in front of a chalet, with the words Winter Ice Rink, 26th Nov 2026 to 3rd Jan 2027, Calverley Grounds
The Icescape Tunbridge Wells poster for the 2026 season. Image: supplied by Icescape

Frequently asked questions

What time does the Tunbridge Wells ice rink open on 26 November?

The venue in Calverley Grounds opens at 6pm on Thursday 26 November 2026. Rock Choir sings first, the skating show starts at around 6.20pm, and the first public skate sessions are at 7pm and 8pm.

Is the opening night free?

Entry to the venue and watching the performers is free, Icescape says. Skating is ticketed, and both opening-night sessions are 2-for-1.

How long is the Calverley Grounds ice rink open?

From 26 November 2026 to Sunday 3 January 2027, closed on Christmas Day.