THE Royal Pavilion ice rink has returned for its eighth year.

The weather held out for the lucky few who last night got to christen the 2017 ice.

The rink, which is on the front lawn of the Royal Pavilion in Brighton, will be in place until January 14 next year.

Sheila Parkin, managing director of Laine Ltd, creator of the ice rink, said: “We are looking forward to welcoming visitors back to our enchanting rink this year and hope that everyone will take advantage of this unique seasonal opportunity to enjoy the ice and to see Brighton at its twinkling best.

“We’re passionate about providing the best possible Christmas experience for visitors – from our ice quality and maintenance created by cutting edge rink technology and resurfacing, to comfy boots, separate beginners’ area, beautiful rinkside restaurant and staff who really love what they do.

“We’re very blessed with our location so the rink is always a beautiful place to visit, but my favourite time to skate with my kids is after school during the week, when the rink’s slightly quieter and they can stretch their legs a bit.

“We can’t wait to try out the new stone-baked children’s pizza afterwards.”

The main rink measures 880 square metres and there is a separate 130 square metre beginners’ rink with skating aids for learners. There is also a bar and kitchen with a 40-metre terrace next to the ice.

Inside there is a 130-seat restaurant with a bar stocked with craft beers, 14 different gins and mulled wine and cider.

Tickets cost from £10 for those aged 12 and over and £7 for juniors. Entrance is for one-hour sessions which run from 10am to 9.15pm daily. To buy your tickets visit royalpavilionicerink.seetickets.com.