St George’s will host an outdoor ice skating rink this winter through an initiative by Planning Factory Bermuda.

St George Skates is set to open in Somers Gardens on November 26, with sponsorship from Rubis and Bermuda Gas, using the same type of synthetic ice used by professional hockey players when they train.

According to an announcement this morning in St George’s, the site will also feature holiday music and treats from Confections and Sweek Saaks Bakery among others.

Cher Przelomski, vice-president of Planning Factory Bermuda said: “We wanted to bring a new event to St George’s, something that had never been done before that would be of high interest and that everyone could enjoy.

“Since launching our event management company here eight years ago, we concentrated on corporate events and meetings. However, we always hoped to bring a community event to the island.”

She also noted that the event has been sponsored for two years, meaning it will likely return in 2017.

Ray Lambert, the Economic Development Officer of St George, said the concept of introducing an ice rink to the town had been discussed previously by the Corporation of St George.

“We always thought it was a great idea, but we weren’t able to fet the right partnership to make it work,” he said. “This is a great opportunity for the town, a great opportunity for the community.”

Organisers also announced that on the opening day, US Olympic skaters Tiffany Scott and Philip Dulebohn will show off their skills thanks to sponsorship by the Bank of Butterfield.

Until Christmas week, the rink will be open to the public on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, and on Christmas week the rink will open from Tuesday to Sunday, except for Christmas Day and Boxing Day. The rink is set to remain open until 11pm on New Year’s Day and close on January 2.

Customers will be able to take to the “ice” for one hour for $20 — skates included — by booking a time online at Ptix.bm. However, Rubis gas stations are set to run a promotion offering $5 discounts for those who make purchases over $40.

Asked about how the rink would impact grass in the park, Ms Przelomski said that a plan is in place to remove the grass ahead of time, keeping it healthy at an off-site location and returning it once the rink has been removed.

Kenneth Bascome, the junior tourism minister and the area MP, thanked the organisers for selecting St George’s for this project, saying it would benefit the community and provide an additional activity for residents and visitors alike.

management company here introducing an ice rink to the town had been discussed previously by the Corporation of St George.

“We always thought it was a great idea, but we weren’t able to fet the right partnership to make it work,” he said.

“This is a great opportunity for the town, a great opportunity for the community.”

Organisers also announced that on the opening day, US Olympic skaters Tiffany Scott and Philip Dulebohn will show off their skills thanks to sponsorship by the Bank of Butterfield. Until Christmas week, the rink will be open to the public on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, and on Christmas week the rink will open from Tuesday to Sunday, except for Christmas Day and Boxing Day. The rink is set to remain open until 11pm on New Year’s Day and close on January 2. Customers will be able to take to the “ice” for one hour for $20 — skates included — by booking a time online at Ptix.bm. However, Rubis gas stations are set to run a promotion offering $5 discounts for those who make purchases over $40. Asked about how the rink would impact grass in the park, Ms Przelomski said that a plan is in place to remove the grass ahead of time, keeping it healthy at an off-site location and returning it once the rink has been removed.

Kenneth Bascome, the junior tourism minister and the area MP, thanked the organisers for selecting St George’s for this project, saying it would benefit the community and provide an additional activity for residents and visitors alike.