Despite a four-day delay caused by a technical glitch, the hotly-anticipated opening of the attraction drew cheers from the watching crowd packed into Cathedral Square.

As three young skaters twirled and glided under twinkling coloured lights, the excitement was palpable.

And when Peterborough's mayor Marion Todd cut the ribbon, it brought the house down.

Cllr Todd claimed she only had two lessons under her belt, but after a tentative start, she soon got into her stride.

She said: "I think it's been worth the wait. It's an exciting time for Peterborough because it's the first time something like this is happening."

Also joining her was Cllr John Peach, leader of Peterborough City Council.

He said: "There is a brilliant atmosphere here and I'm going to join in and have a go. I'm not really a skater but can just about get round. It's a great attraction for Peterborough and will bring people into the city."

Late-night shoppers took a break from picking up gifts and workers on their way home craned to get a better look at the rink.

Jeanette Gaffney (26) from Wansford, brought her eight-year-old daughter Charlotte to watch the opening spectacle.

She said: "Places like Lincoln have outdoor rinks and they are always very busy, so I think it's a good thing for Peterborough. It's great for children."

Satvir Kaur's two daughters were itching to get on the ice.
Mrs Kaur (32), from Vere Road, said: "It's good Peterborough has got something like this. I'm impressed with it."

Fiona Rose Roden (11), from Glinton, was cheering on her friend Amber Rose Kenny (11), as she pirouetted across the rink as part of the skate show.

She said: "It's really nice, especially the snow. It's really put me in the Christmas spirit."

The rink will remain in place until mid February.

Meanwhile, the magic of Christmas will descend on Peterborough Museum when two of Santa's reindeer take time out of their busy schedule to pay it a visit on Saturday 15 December, from 10am-4pm.

The museum, in Priestgate, Peterborough, will be hosting a variety of activities throughout the day. People will be able to find that last minute gift thanks to the museum's Christmas craft fair, while youngsters can visit Santa in his grotto.

The reindeer will also herald the opening of the museum's new exhibition Christmas Through the Ages. For details, call the museum on 01733 343329.

How much it costs and when you can go

The temporary, covered rink will be open from 10am to 9pm seven days a week.

Each session lasts an hour, with the first session starting at 10am and a 15-minute break in between each session before the next one starts.

There will be nine sessions each day, with the last session starting at 8pm.

Skaters are asked to arrive at least 20 minutes before their allotted time to allow for skate fitting. Minimum skate size will be a children's size eight and the maximum will be an adult's size 13.

People can bring their own skates, but the rink operator reserves the right not to allow a person to use their own skates if they are not deemed suitable.

Children under the age of 12 must be accompanied by an adult.
Ice skating tickets will cost £7 per person and include skate hire; family tickets (two adults and two children) are available for £25.

Bookings will be taken at the rink and tickets can be booked in advance from Britaly Travel, in Peterborough. Call 01733 313939 or e-mail
sales@britalytravel.com