WE WERE bathed in sunshine at the weekend and the children have only just gone back to school after the summer holidays.

But with tickets going like hot cakes for Brighton’s Royal Pavilion Ice Rink last Christmas they have gone on sale for this winter.

Shella Parkin, chief executive of Laine Ltd, creator of the rink, said: “Forecasts for the coldest winter for 50 years might be bad news for some, but could promise for a great year of skating and we hope that all our fans will come back again this year for some more fun at the most beautiful outdoor ice rink in the South East.

"If the snow really does fall, it will bring a little extra magic to the rink in its sixth year in Brighton.

"This hidden gem of a rink is beautifully lit at night and is a great choice for those who want to skate in a beautiful setting as well as sit down to eat après ice.

"With all of Brighton’s gorgeous independent shops on its doorstep and just 50 minutes from Victoria by train, you can get a little Christmas shopping in too."

The pop-up structure was made bigger last year, allowing for up to 260 skaters at a time. It will be the same size this year.

The rink, which includes a restaurant, is open from November 7 until January 17.

With the Royal Pavilion as the backdrop, the rink side bar and restaurant has a 40m terrace.

The rink side bar and kitchen will offers patisserie snacks and drinks as well as sharing platters for families and friends.

The 880sqm rink includes a beginners’ area, penguin skate aids and skate sizes from ‘just walking’ to adult. There’s no charge for spectating for those who prefer to sit and soak up the atmosphere.

Television star Ray Quinn performed at the launch party for the rink last year.

The Dancing on Ice winner sang Got to Get You Into My Life as professional skater Iain George span around the rink.