SOUTHAMPTON'S ice rink opened today, with the ribbon cut by the city's Lord Mayor.

The shopping centre's Christmas event, Westquay On Ice, has now come to The Esplanade.

The Après Bar is also open for Christmas cheer, serving mulled wine, winter cocktails, hot chocolate and Steins of German beer.

There are also mini chalets for groups to book festive get-togethers.

The rink was originally set to open on Friday, but it was delayed until today due to adverse weather conditions.

READ MORE: Westquay ice rink opening delayed 

The Lord Mayor of Southampton, Cllr Jacqui Rayment, told the Echo: "I am really pleased West Quay has an ice rink to celebrate the festive season.

"I think there's nothing more Christmassy than being able to come out, do some shopping in Westquay and in the rest of Southampton and finishing it off with a nice meal and a few drinks and a visit to the ice rink."

Annie Arshak, director of Blue Martini Group, which is organising the ice rink at Westquay, said: "We are absolutely thrilled. We are looking forward to everyone skating with us.

"We kept our pricing quite low, specifically with everything going on at the minute.

"We are excited to be part of this beautiful shopping mall."

The ice rink will run until January 2, with music from Outreach Radio.

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