The summer may only just be over, but thoughts are already turning to the city's premier winter attraction and the opening of Cardiff's Winter Wonderland, with tickets on sale now(cardiffswinterwonderland.com).

 After record numbers of skaters took to the ice last year, the 2017 season is now on sale with a larger rink and a number of themed nights planned. More than 60,000 people got their skates on last year when the Admiral Ice Rink went undercover for the first time, which resulted in no sessions being lost to poor weather, and an even more magical experience under the sparkling, starlit roof. This year Cardiff becomes the first outdoor rink in the UK to receive Access Accreditation, allowing even more wheelchair users onto the ice.

Norman George Sayers, operator of Cardiff's Winter Wonderland said: "The clear span roof last year just served to enhance the festive experience for visitors, and no one was inconvenienced by the weather. We'll be returning with all the seasonal favourites plus new attractions to make Cardiff's Winter Wonderland central once again to the city's Christmas celebrations."

The rink opens on November 9 and over the following eight and a half weeks more than a quarter of a million people are anticipated on site, attracted by the Giant Wheel and other fairground rides, plus all the food and drink on offer in the authentic Alpine Village and the cosy, atmospheric Bier Keller. ThePenguinpopulation has also increased this year, and for the first time they can be pre-booked for toddlers who need a little extra support on the ice.

Also this year the ice rink operator, 11^thHour has extended the special wheelchair accessible sessions, introduced last year in response to demand from wheelchair users for a more thrilling experience on the ice.Music will be played at low level, lighting will be static, and the capacity of the rink will be reduced to allow those who may need additional support to enjoy the facility. There is also a disabled viewing platform and enhanced signage. 

John Davies of 11^thHour said: "We promised more relaxed access sessions this year, and I'm delighted to say we've responded to demand, and are the first outdoor ice rink in the country to get Access Accreditation, enabling more wheelchair users and those requiring additional support to experience the thrill, excitement and enjoyment of outdoor recreational skating in Cardiff."

Cabinet Member for Culture and Leisure, Cllr Peter Bradbury said: "Cardiff's Winter Wonderland is a stand-out event for the capital and is a firm favourite in the city's seasonal festivities. Adaptations have ensured that people can still enjoy skating whatever the weather and the news that 2017 will see it be the first outdoor rink in the UK to receive Access Accreditation for wheelchair users is fantastic, meaning everyone can come and enjoy this first-class attraction."

Tickets: Cardiffswinterwonderland.comandTicketSource on0333 666 3366. Contact us ontickets@cardiff-winter-wonderland.comfor ticketing / school booking enquiries.

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