THE FIRST steps to creating the North East’s biggest roller skating rink has taken place this week, as the build gets underway.
The first shipping containers have been winched into place at Newcastle Racecourse, ahead of the opening of the region’s most spectacular pop-up skating event this April.
Skate Island will run every Thursday to Sunday from next week (2 April) for eight weeks, which – along with the rink – will also feature a whole host of exciting food and drink outlets based in the containers.
Special themed nights, family friendly sessions and throwbacks to the 80s and 90s are among the events which will take place while Skate Island is open – featuring the greatest music genres of the past decades.
Thursdays will be students night, while very Friday night the focus will be on a roller disco, with a different theme every week, ranging from girl power to country music, from karaoke to a neon rave event.
Youngsters will also be able to get into the act on Saturday morning from 9am until noon, where families will be encouraged to go along and join in the fun.
From noon onwards the clock will be turned back for Retro Roller for over 18s – “a fully immersive” disco roller experience where participants will be encouraged to dress up.
Sundays will once again be open to all ages, with youngsters able to skate from 9am until 9pm.
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.
Skate Island is the latest innovation from EVNT Inspirations, which is responsible for some of the North East’s most exciting and interactive experiences.
The company has created everything from Newcastle’s annual Moosenwirt pop-up Alpine bar along with Newcastle Christmas Village, as well as events such as the highly popular Paddy Fest and The Great British Tribute Fest.
Stuart Nurse, one of the co-directors of EVNT Inspirations, said it was exciting to see the build now getting underway.
“We’ve started to put all the pieces in place to create Skate Island and to ensure it is going to be an absolutely fantastic experience,” he said.
“There has been nothing like this in the region before and we are looking forward to unveiling the whole site and giving people a really memorable experience.”
Tickets – which start from £7.50p for the family events, £10 for the student night and £15 for Retro Roller, plus a booking fee – are now on sale at www.skateisland.co.uk.