Latest news with #PlanetIce
BBC News
19-07-2025
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Costume fun for Uttoxeter ice skating competitors
Minions, Ghostbusters and Elphaba from Wicked were among the "stars" taking part in an ice skating were 40 skaters of all ages and abilities who took to the ice dressed as their favourite characters and performed to well-known soundtracks at CineBowl in Uttoxeter, in event was part of a nationwide artistic ice skating competition being held across Planet Ice arenas. The winners from each of the 11 categories will go on to compete in the final in Milton Keynes later this competitor Jasmyn Kaur, who won gold in the duo category dressed as an air hostess, said: "I thought it would be such a fun number to do," she said. The duo performed to the 2007 Eurovision song Flying the Flag (For You) by Scooch."The audience was cheering for us; it was brilliant, and we're really excited to perform the routine again in Milton Keynes," she Kaur, who restarted skating 18 months ago, added: "I was inspired to learn figure skating after seeing Johnny Weir's appearance on Dancing on Ice. "He's always been my favourite figure skater, and although I'd always been able to skate, I decided to take the leap into learning properly after seeing him perform. I'm so glad I did." Head judge, actress and comedienne, Karina Essery, said: "Everyone was of an incredible standard, and every skater brought their very best. "It was very hard to choose winners because all the ideas were so creative, and all the skaters should be so proud of themselves."What makes Uttoxeter ice rink special is the support everyone shows for each other; it's fantastic to see and be a part of. It's an ice rink with a big heart." General manager of the ice rink, Liz Howe, said: "Everyone was fantastic and it's what skating here is all about - having fun, building friendships and enjoying new experiences. "It means a lot to us to watch our skaters' confidence grow - children and adults - and that's also thanks to our brilliant team of coaches."We know the finalists who will be representing the rink at Milton Keynes will make Team Uttoxeter proud." Follow BBC Stoke & Staffordshire on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.
BBC News
10-06-2025
- Business
- BBC News
Plans drawn up for 3,000 capacity ice rink arena near Trafford Centre
Plans have been submitted for a new 3,000-capacity ice rink and sports arena in Greater TraffordCity Arena development has been proposed for a site near the Chill Factore indoor ski centre and the Trafford Centre. As well as hosting a range of sport the arena will also convert into an event space that will host virtual reality immersive experiences, small concerts, screenings and live approved, the land would be acquired from regeneration specialists Peel Waters and operated by the Planet Ice group, which operates 14 other similar venues across the UK. The company's managing director James Whittaker said it would be a "huge leisure and retail destination"."There is no other destination in the country that brings together everything that's available here in one place," he said."There's a lot of other things this arena cold be used for whether that be music events or boxing."Peel Waters said if planning permission was granted construction would be predicted to take between 12 and 15 purpose-built facility could also provide a further boost for the Manchester Storm ice hockey team, which has confirmed it in negotiations to play at the new new area would able to accommodate an additional 1,000 fans and spectators in comparison with their current site in Altrincham. Listen to the best of BBC Radio Manchester on Sounds and follow BBC Manchester on Facebook, X, and Instagram. You can also send story ideas via Whatsapp to 0808 100 2230.
BBC News
22-05-2025
- Sport
- BBC News
Basingstoke Bison set to return to ice but Bees pause playing
Fans have spoken of their "euphoria" following confirmation their team will return to competition in Hampshire-based Basingstoke Bison have been absent from the last two years of the NIHL National League - British ice hockey's second to their home rink, Planet Ice Basingstoke, were originally scheduled to only last one year but announcement of new ownership last month, and confirmation from Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council that a new company had been found to take over the rink's long-term lease, has secured their place in the NIHL. Supporters of the Bison have weathered a period of uncertainty around the club's future. For fans it is a long-awaited and emotional return."It means everything to us," said Jean Cashman, one of the first ever season ticket holders at the club."It's more than sport. It's family."Another fan added, "It's been rough. Every weekend, sitting there thinking "I should be at a game tonight," it's like a hole is missing, a chunk has been taken out of you, you're just waiting for it to fit back into place. And now it's finally going to!"Fans met with the new ownership for the first time earlier this month in Basingstoke, where new and returning members of the squad were presented."We've fought for ice hockey in Basingstoke for many, many years," explained Caroline Morris, whose family have remained in the same seats at the arena since the club's founding in 1988. "We've been at the council offices so many times as a family, trying to fight for our team. So it's euphoria. Absolute euphoria for everybody." Steve Nell, who played ice hockey for 17 years before moving into management, joins Rob Firmin as the two new operators of the club."I used to play here in 1991 and 1992, so I knew the town, it's got a heritage," said Nell."It's got a great hockey background and we've had some success over the years. Our job is to try and bring that back and bring some long-term sustainability to the club."The rink is expected to open in summer before the 2025-26 NIHL season begins in September. But while the Bison are back the Berkshire Bees have announced they will be taking a break from competing."It was a really tough decision." said Graeme Bower, director of the Berkshire Bees."We need a moment in time to do the things that mean we can stay around for the long term."It's not just finance, it's everything. What we don't want is to start this season and three quarters of the way through the season we go "Oh heck" we're never going to make another season after this one". The Berkshire Bees, who play at the Slough Ice Arena rebranded last year in a bid to give the club a strong Bees hope to take inspiration from the Bison and return stronger in future seasons. You can follow BBC Hampshire & Isle of Wight on Facebook, X (Twitter), or Instagram.
