It had been a long time coming when Southampton got its ice rink back.

Eighteen years after the city’s popular ice rink closed its doors skaters were once again able to slip, slide, tumble and glide on ice in the city.

However, the attraction, which opened on December 15, 2006, was only in place temporarily during the festive and new year period.

Thousands of skating enthusiasts of all different abilities and ages visited Southampton’s festive ice rink opposite the Guildhall that was in place until January 21, 2007.

A star-studded lineup including the stars of The Mayflower stage show White Christmas and then-Mayor John Slade officially opened the open-air rink under a flurry of synthetic snow and cheers from the crowd.

Among the first skaters onto the square ice rink were special Daily Echo competition winners, VIPs and invited guests before the sessions were open to the general public.

Southampton Ice Rink opens for Christmas at the Civic Centre. Skater Robin Cousins took to the ice for a masterclass with competition winners.

Southampton Ice Rink opens for Christmas at the Civic Centre. Skater Robin Cousins took to the ice for a masterclass with competition winners.

The ex-Neighbours star Craig McLachlan and his fellow cast members from White Christmas treated the crowd to a capella version of the hit title song from the musical before meeting fans and signing autographs.