Skate to cool Bollywood beats

IF you’re prone to busting a few moves on the dance floor, why not see if they translate to the ice?

Disco and Bollywood-themed skating sessions are running this Ballarat Winter Festival at the pop-up ice rink between Myer and the Town Hall.

The Bollywood on Ice night will see DJ Bobby M play a range of fun and danceable tracks on Saturday, 16 July between 7.30pm and 8.30pm, and 9pm and 10pm.

The disco hour will run from 9pm to 10pm on Friday and Saturday nights, until the rink closes for 2022 on Sunday, 17 July.

Local member of the Punjabi community MK Brar said the fun and flair of Bollywood is something people of all ages can enjoy at the ice rink, while also connecting with their culture and people.

“We love the music. It’s got a great beat that gives you a good feeling when you catch it,” she said.

“Our community’s people are very friendly. We’re happy to involve everyone and always try to make them comfortable, no matter what community they’re from.

“We want people to come and engage with us, we love it.”

A City of Ballarat Cr Samantha McIntosh said the Winter Fest program is full of fun family activities to warm the soul.

“It’s been a cold start to winter, and this iconic Ballarat festival gives everyone the perfect excuse to rug up, get out, support local businesses, and enjoy some fantastic entertainment and local hospitality,” she said.

Child-friendly ice skating sessions from 9am to 10am each weekday are recommended for children under 12 years of age, and their families, while the sensory sessions on Thursdays from 9am to 10am have no music or flashing lights, and less people on the ice.

More than 1500 people gave ice skating a go in the first weekend of this year’s Winter Festival, while over 18,000 made the most of the rink while it was open in 2021.