Brighton Ice Rink Moves to the Old Steine in 2027, but There Is No Rink This Winter
Brighton & Hove City Council has confirmed that the ice rink will not open in Brighton this Christmas, and that it plans to bring it back in 2027 in a new home at the Old Steine. The council announced the plan on 15 October 2026, saying it has been working with the operator, Laine Ltd, on a long-term future for the seasonal attraction, with the Old Steine named as the preferred location from 2027 onwards.
Why there is no ice rink this winter
Both the council and the operator point to one reason: power. Laine Ltd says it has not found a venue with enough electrical capacity for 2026.
“Ice rinks are power-hungry, so we have proudly chosen not to run off diesel generators for many years now. Mains power enables us to run off a renewable tariff but unfortunately, we haven’t found a venue with sufficient electrical capacity for 2026 and have made the difficult decision to stand the rink down for one year.”
Shella Parkin, Laine Ltd
Councillor David McGregor, Cabinet member for Economy, Culture, Heritage and Tourism, said the council had looked at the alternatives.
“We know people will miss the rink this winter, but we’ve explored all options and there’s no suitable location that can provide the space, infrastructure and renewable power supply needed to operate the attraction safely and sustainably this year.”
Councillor David McGregor, Cabinet member for Economy, Culture, Heritage and Tourism
The most recent season of the Royal Pavilion Ice Rink ran from 25 October 2025 to 4 January 2026, according to the rink’s own website.
Why the Old Steine
The council says the Old Steine, which has been revitalised through the Valley Gardens project, will give the rink a central setting for festive skating and seasonal events. It says the move will help bring the space to life during the winter months while supporting local shops, restaurants and attractions.
“The move gives us the opportunity to build a long-term future for the rink in a location that is accessible, sustainable and right at the heart of the city centre.”
Councillor David McGregor
Valley Gardens phase 3 is the final phase of the project. The council says it includes a new public space between the Royal Pavilion and the War Memorial, a new junction in place of the Palace Pier roundabout, an off-road cycle lane to the seafront, new bus stops, a taxi rank, more trees and improved lighting. The council’s former Environment, Transport and Sustainability Committee approved the plan in January 2022. You can read the scheme on the council’s Valley Gardens phase 3 page.
The rink and the Old Steine, step by step
Laine Ltd says skaters bring millions in annual visitor spend to the city, going on to eat, drink and Christmas shop in Brighton.
“We are proud of the benefits the ice rink has brought to the city, not least the millions in annual visitor spend from skaters who then go on to eat, drink and Christmas shop in Brighton, as well as the joy it has brought to so many people since 2010.”
Shella Parkin, Laine Ltd
What is on this Christmas instead
The council says there will still be plenty of festive activity for residents and visitors, and has named these highlights.
More things to do are listed under What’s On and Events on ImJustBrighton.
What happens next
The council says it will now work with Laine Ltd to turn the plans into reality. Councillor David McGregor said:
“We’re looking forward to working with the operator, Laine Ltd, to bring those plans to life.”
Councillor David McGregor
Laine Ltd said it is sad to disappoint the thousands for whom the rink has become part of their Christmas tradition, but is looking forward to returning to an exciting new venue in future festive seasons.
The ice rink is not the only seafront attraction with a 2027 return in the pipeline. The Brighton Wheel could be back on Madeira Drive by summer 2027, as we reported in Brighton Wheel Returns to Madeira Drive in 2027 After 10 Years Away.
Brighton & Hove City Council newsRead the council’s news releasesSources
More council news is on the Brighton and Hove City Council page and under Seafront on ImJustBrighton.
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Brighton Wheel Returns to Madeira Drive in 2027 After 10 Years Away
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