They're off for this year's event...                                                                               All Photographs © David Packman

...after the success of last year's event which attracted 35,000 skaters, the Cathedral authorities have provided a larger rink this year to increase the capacity of each session. The German-style Christmas Market has doubled in size with over a hundred exhibitors selling their wares. The event was opened in appalling weather by Olympic gold medallist Robin Cousins, by the time the event finishes on January 6th it's hoped to have attracted some 40,000 skaters.

The 11th century cathedral provides an interesting backdrop.

...whereas the session I watched later there'll be a number of bruised knees and bottoms going home.

The skaters and their antics always attract an audience.

A few of the stalls of the exhibitors in the German-style market.

A Merry Christmas and a Happy and Safe New Year to all Hampshire Cam visitors.

All Photographs © David Packman

Caption details are based on the latest available information and are accurate to the best of my knowledge. Although the images are heavily compressed you are welcome to use them for your own non-commercial use.If you do please credit  Hampshire  Cam and add a link to these pages.  For hi-res images please contact me below.                           All photographs copyright David Packman © 2002 - 2007 (All Rights Reserved)