Skating elves set to smash record for most on a rink

Clarks Village is hoping to glide its way into the record books after launching its Christmas ice rink in truly elf-tacular fashion.

The Somerset outlet centre kicked off its festive season with what it billed as the World’s Biggest Elf Skate – a bid to gather the highest number of ice-skating elves outside of the North Pole.

An impressive 193 participants took to the ice in full elf regalia for the launch, led by Father Christmas himself alongside his Head Elf, the delightfully named Bubbles Sugarplum.

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Organisers hailed the evening as a record-breaking triumph, declaring it the “most elf-tastic skate in the world”.

Families and skaters of all ages joined the festive spectacle, with the youngest elf just two years old.

Those taking part were given free entry to the record attempt, enjoying a spin on the 550-square-metre real-ice rink accompanied by live DJs spinning Christmas classics – and even a chance to chat to Santa.

Every skater left with a special rosette and certificate commemorating their role in the record bid.

The elf-themed extravaganza follows last year’s successful launch, when Clarks Village claimed a world record for the largest gathering of ice-skating Santas, with 155 Father Christmases taking to the rink. This year, however, the elves took centre stage.

Chris Davis, Centre Director at Clarks Village, said: “The World’s Biggest Elf Skate was the biggest and best festive ice skate we’ve ever held and was truly unforgettable.

“Seeing so many elf-clad guests on the ice, skating together and sharing in the festive fun, was a magical and showstopping way to kick off the Christmas season.

“With our stunning decorations in place, an artisan market on the way, Black Friday just around the corner, and our festive ice rink ready for action, we’re all set for a Christmas to remember.”

The Clarks Village Festive Ice Rink is now open for the season in the grounds of the Alfred Gillett Trust’s Shoemakers Museum.

The rink – which is both wheelchair- and pushchair-friendly – will operate daily until 4 January, with sessions running on Christmas Eve, Boxing Day, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day.

Visitors can look forward to themed events including 2-for-1 Thursday skating, parent-and-toddler mornings, Friday disco nights, Quiet Sessions at weekends, school skating days and additional themed sessions.

Skating sessions last 45 minutes and include skate hire. Tickets start at £13.50 for children aged 12 and under, £15.50 for adults, and from £50 for families. Further information and bookings are available at clarksvillage.co.uk.

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