An ice rink is returning to Caerphilly Castle this winter.
The ice rink, which was at the castle last year, will return on Friday, December 6 and will stay until Monday, January 6.
Cllr Mike Prew, Caerphilly Town mayor, said : “The Ice Rink last year was a great success and many people have been asking me if it would return this year.
“This will be only the second year of the ice rink, but it will be bigger than last year`s trial run and will run over the holiday period.”
The event ties into Cadw’s three-year £5.3million investment plan, which aims to transform the Castle into a world class heritage attraction and increase visitor numbers to the 13th century fortress.
Welsh Government’s minister for culture, tourism and sport, Lord Dafydd Elis-Thomas AM, said: “I look forward to seeing people of all ages enjoying the surrounding of this magnificent castle in the lead up to Christmas.“
The ice rink will be open from 12pm to 9pm on Wednesdays and Thursdays and from 10am to 9pm on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.
Last skate will be at 8pm – with each slot lasting 45 minutes. The ice rink will be closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.
Meanwhile, Ten penguin-shaped ‘ice walkers’ will be available at an extra cost for younger visitors, while a pop-up cafe will be opened.
There will also be some visits from Father Christmas.
Autism-friendly sessions will take place on Sunday, 15 December at 10am and Wednesday 18 December at 12pm.
In a statement, Morgan Jones ward councillors Jamie Pritchard and Shayne Cook said: “We’re glad the ice rink has returned to the castle for the festive period, this time for longer. The extension will make it more accessible for tourist and residents.”
Cllr Sean Morgan, deputy leader and cabinet member with responsibility for tourism at Caerphilly County Borough Council, said: “The return of the ice rink to Caerphilly Castle is welcome news, not only for our residents but also for visitors to the area.”
Skate sessions should be pre-booked online at ticketsource.co.uk/caerphilly-castle-ice-rink with tickets priced at £6.50 for children under 14, £9.00 for adults and £27.00 for families (two adults and two children) with skate hire included in the skate price.