4 July 1990 was a defining date in the story of Alexandra Palace: it marked the official opening of our Ice Rink!
Since then, hundreds of thousands have skated across this frozen stage, from nervous first-timers to elite athletes, world record holders, celebrities, and Olympic hopefuls.
As we celebrate 35 years on ice, it’s impossible to mention every memory, milestone, and magical moment, but here’s a look back (and forward) at just some of the highlights that make Ally Pally’s rink one of London’s most iconic and beloved spaces.
Before the Ice: 1873–1990
Before blades ever hit the ice, this corner of Alexandra Palace was home to many things. Originally part of the “Bazaar” in the Palace’s ‘Exhibition Department’ to the east side of the Great Hall, the area evolved into everything from a concert hall to a rifle range. But by the late 1980s, it was time for something new- and dare we say, something cooler.
A grand opening (1990)
After major works to transform the space, the rink officially opened on Wednesday 4 July 1990 (fun fact: the same day England were knocked out of the World Cup by West Germany!), with another upgrade in 2010-2011.
A commemorative plaque was installed to mark the occasion, and over the following three decades, the rink would become a treasured part of daily life for North Londoners and beyond.
Life on the ice
Since its opening, Ally Pally’s rink has welcomed hundreds of thousands of skaters, with over 150,000 annual visits (and growing!). It’s a place where generations have learned to glide, spin, fall, laugh, and try again. For better or worse, most of us will remember the first times we ventured onto the ice, and we’re proud that Ally Pally ice rink will hold this memory for so many people in north London and the surrounding communities.
Our team of professional instructors work with skaters aged 2 to 90, supporting everything from tiny first steps to national and Olympic-level training. Many have gone on to perform in world-renowned shows like Disney On Ice, Hot Ice, and Illusion on Ice.
We’re also proud to be home to elite athletes like Lila Fear and Lewis Gibson (European silver medallists), Australian pairs ice dancers, and the stars-in-the-making that hit the ice with us daily from 6am to midnight.
View this post on Instagram
View this post on Instagram
Ice Hockey Thrills
The mad, fast, hard world of ice hockey has brought a completely different element to the rink in recent years. Again, providing accessibility has been key, with clubs on offer for novices, juniors and seniors.
Since 2017, the rink has been home to the Haringey Huskies, our resident men’s team, whose performances have gone from strength to strength. Lee Mercer, Haringey Huskies owner, says:
“It’s a great honour and a privilege to play in a building such as Alexandra Palace… You walk in and just feel the history.”
— Lee Mercer, Haringey Huskies Owner
Then in 2024, we made history again with the launch of the Haringey Greyhounds, Ally Pally’s first ever women’s ice hockey team. In an incredible debut season, they went on to win both the league and the cup, setting a new standard for what’s possible and inspiring the next generation of players.
When the action is back on, we’d urge you to give it a try – it’s really good fun. Plus, we just got a new, state-of-the-art jumbotron!
Festive fun & record-breaking moments
Our Christmas Ice Pantos are a beloved festive tradition, performed by homegrown talent and packed with sparkle. Past productions include Peter Pan, Snow White, The Nutcracker, Frozen, Rapunzel, and Aladdin.
Other unforgettable moments? How about two World Records for the Longest Conga on Ice – both raising funds for the Alexandra Wylie Tower Foundation. Or themed club nights where fans have skated to the likes of Bowie and Bruce Springsteen under the disco lights.
Famous faces
We don’t like to name-drop… but we will:
-
Torvill and Dean have often glided across our rink
-
Dancing on Ice hosts its training camp here every year (with past stars like Joe Swash, Maura Higgins and Lady Leshurr learning to skate at Ally Pally!)
-
Robbie Williams filmed his hit She’s the One music video here
-
Even Emilia Clarke (Mother of Dragons!) filmed scenes from Last Christmas on our ice in 2019
Sustainability on ice
As we look forward to the next 35 years, we’re doing so with sustainability at the heart of everything we do.
- Our energy usage is down 30%, a massive win for the environment and our future.
- In January 2025, we launched a reusable token system for skate hire, saving 100,000 disposable wristbands per year.
- And regular maintenance ensures our systems are running efficiently behind the scenes.
Fun facts from the rink
-
How thick is the ice? Around 4–5cm, built up over several days in thin layers.
-
How often is it cleaned? 8+ times a day using our Olympia IceBear resurfacer (like a Zamboni), which scrapes, flushes, and refreshes the surface.
-
Open how often? 364 days a year, from 6am figure skating to 12:15am hockey practices.
