Nottingham, 11 September 2025 – Nearly 3,000 people packed the Motorpoint Arena Nottingham on Sunday to celebrate 25 years of ice sports at the National Ice Centre during the spectacular “Skating Through Time” gala.
Over 600 attendees took to the ice after the main event, showcasing the inclusivity and community spirit that lies at the heart of Nottingham’s skating legacy. Showcasing Elite Talent and Inspiring Journeys Hosted by British Ice Skating President and Olympic gold medallist Robin Cousins, the gala, which was free to attend, showcased the sports that have put Nottingham on the international
map – figure skating, synchronized skating, short track speed skating, and ice hockey – and, most importantly, the people who have brought them to life over the years.
Over the past 25 years, the NIC has represented Nottingham internationally across all ice sports disciplines, establishing the city as a global hub for skating talent. Christopher Dean, part of the
legendary Torvill & Dean duo, whose skating journey also started at the NIC, was in attendance to witness the next generation of skaters who call his city home and to celebrate Nottingham’s
skating achievements.
Olympic Dreams, Nottingham Made:
• Figure Skating Excellence: Three-time Olympian and European bronze medallist, Nick Buckland, who trained at the NIC, shared his journey alongside rising star Alexa Severn, two-time British Junior Champion from Nottingham, whose path from the NIC’s junior
academy to international competition embodies the venue’s nurturing spirit.
Speed Skating Powerhouse:
The NIC has been home to Great Britain’s Short Track Speed Skating team for 25 years, producing World Champions, record holders, and
Olympians. Jack Burrows, Youth Olympic gold medallist was in attendance, and members of the GB Speed Skating Squad demonstrated why the NIC produces world class athletes, including several who will hopefully be representing Team GB at the
Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games, giving the audience a thrilling preview of Olympic talent.
• Synchronized Skating Success: What began in 1998 with a handful of skaters has grown into the Nottingham Synchronized Skating Academy, with 130 members across eight teams. Their elite squads, Team Icicles and Team Icicles Junior, have become British Champions and represented Great Britain on the world stage. They delivered a dazzling performance at the gala. The evening also brought an exciting announcement that further cements Nottingham’s place in skating history: in 2027, the NIC will host both the World Junior and World Senior Synchronized Skating Championships back-to back—a first in International Skating Union history.
• Ice Hockey Heritage: For over 25 years, the Nottingham Panthers and Nottingham Ice Hockey Club have nurtured talent from grassroots to GB internationals. At the gala, star players including Ollie Betteridge, David Clarke, and Women’s Team Captain Jodie
Alderson-Smith were on hand to cheer on the next generation of hockey talent, with some participants as young as six taking to the ice in a thrilling showcase of the sport’s future stars.
Celebrating the Unsung Heroes
The gala’s most emotional moments came as long-serving volunteers received recognition. Pete Worth, who has chaired Nottingham Ice Racing Club for 25 years, and George Land, whose quarter-century dedication to junior hockey has shaped countless young lives, embodied the community spirit that makes the NIC special.
From Paralympian Stef Reid to weekend recreational skaters, Sunday’s celebration proved that excellence and inclusivity aren’t just compatible – they’re inseparable. A Hub for Community and Inspiration Reflecting on the gala, NIC CEO Martin Ingham said: “The National Ice Centre is not just about elite sport. It’s about community, opportunity, and inspiring the next generation. This gala
celebrated not just our athletes, but everyone who has contributed to Nottingham’s incredible ice sports legacy over the past 25 years.”
The gala also highlighted the wider NIC community. In 2025 alone, more than 5,000 school children accessed the venue for free as part of the venue’s 25-year anniversary celebrations, over 2,000 people glide through weekly public skating sessions, and more than 900 participate in lessons every week, one of whom could be the next Olympic champion.
A Legacy That Lives and Breathes
Nottingham’s ice sports story began in 1939 at the old Ice Stadium, but the NIC’s 25-year chapter has transformed the city into an international skating destination. As the crowd filed out
on Sunday night, many heading straight to the ice for their own skating session, it was clear that the NIC continues to inspire and nurture talent while remaining a vibrant community hub where
anyone, regardless of age or ability, can skate.
Posted on 11 September 2025
