HOW COOL?

Cambridge is keeping it cool with plans for an outdoor ice rink! Where do they think we are, Canada?

Organisers Cambridge on Ice want to make the ice rink an annual event. Look, I know it's only September and I wince at the thought of Christmas hamper adverts before at least November, but I thought this was great fun. And I live in Cambridgeshire.

Cambridge’s Christmas celebrations have received a huge boost with the announcement that Parkers Piece will be the venue for the city’s first temporary outdoor ice rink. It will be up and running for six weeks from 24th November 2007 right through to January 6th 2008.

Although it's never going to beat skating on Lake Louise (like I did that, I'd have been in traction if I tried) it does sound like fun. Alongside the ice rink, skaters and spectators will be to enjoy seasonal food and drink at a fully licensed Ice Café. A viewing platform will give spectators a great view of all the skating novices falling on their behinds, and budding 'Dancing on ice' contestants showing off.

To add to the festive vibes, there will be traditional Christmas decorations including trees, coloured lights and decorations and traditional fairground rides for those brave enough to go on a waltzer but not risk their ankles on a thin piece of metal...

The ice rink will be large enough to hold around 200 skaters comfortably for each 45 minute session and the organisers are confident that around 35,000 residents and visitors to the city will take to the ice over the six week period.

“We are thrilled to be bringing Cambridge’s first outdoor ice rink to the city,” said Lizzy Dickinson, a director of Cambridge on Ice, adding:

“Other towns and cities have hugely popular temporary ice rinks over the Christmas period and we are confident that our ice rink will be a welcome addition to Cambridge’s seasonal celebrations. We hope this will become an annual event.”

Families, individuals, groups and companies looking for an unusual and exciting start to the festive season can book their ice rink tickets from 17 September by calling 01223 357851 or at the website.