NEWCASTLE Racecourse is preparing to let the good times roll with the arrival of a unique event.
This April the venue will be launching Skate Island, which will see the installation of a giant roller skating rink and a food and drink village, which will offer themed evenings, student specials and retro roller nights.
Skate Island will be open for eight weeks from April 2 every Thursday to Sunday, which will also include a number of family friendly sessions.
The experience is being organised by the racecourse in partnership North East-based company, EVNT Inspirations, which is responsible for some of the biggest and most exciting events on Tyneside, including Paddy Fest and Newcastle Christmas Village.
The team already have a strong relationship with Newcastle Racecourse, having brought their unique pop-up pub to the venue for its top race days.
Skate Island will host student nights every Thursday, themed events on Fridays and family friendly sessions on Saturday mornings from 9am until noon.
From noon onwards the clock will be turned back for Retro Roller – “ a fully immersive” disco roller experience where participants will be encouraged to dress up.
Sundays will be an all-day family affair, where youngsters will be able to come along from 9am until 9pm.
Prices will start from £7.50p for the family events, £10 for the student night and £15 for Retro Roller, plus a booking fee.
Anyone booking will get a 90 minute roller skating slot – which includes skate hire – but can stay as long as they want to enjoy the food and drink attractions.
Ahead of the bookings opening, anyone interested can sign up in advance with the chance to win free tickets to a skate session and first access to tickets when they are released.
People can sign up at www.skateisland.co.uk.
Stuart Nurse, one of the co-directors of EVNT Inspirations believes this will be a fantastic attraction.
“We’re pulling out all of the stops to offer a really amazing experience and bring back the heyday of roller disco,” he said.
“We already have a great relationship with Newcastle Racecourse and they have such a forward-thinking team that this was the perfect opportunity for us to work together on something completely new to the region.”
Paul Elliott, Executive Director, echoed his words.
“We are delighted to be partnering with EVNT Inspirations on such an exciting project that will showcase the racecourse as one of the North East’s best multi-purpose venues.”