For the month of January, Canary Wharf is giving visitors the chance to get their magical light skates on to brighten up the dark winter nights as they glide along the covered ice rink in scenic Canada Square Park.
Celebrity Instagram photographer Curtis Padley has shot the first striking light portraits using special ‘light painting’ techniques, capturing former Team GB skater and eleven-time British national champion Jenna McCorkell as she spins, pirouettes and glides around the rink.
Ice skaters can hire skates with LEDs attached so they can take light portraits of their own. Photographer Padley is also releasing handy tips on Canary Wharf’s Instagram @canarywharflondon, explaining how budding photographers can use simple techniques with their phones to capture Instagram-worthy snaps on the ice.
Photographer Curtis Padley said: “Canary Wharf’s ice rink is a brilliant setting to capture some stunning images. I’d encourage anyone keen to escape the dull January nights to grab a friend and come down to the rink to try taking your own unique photography.”
Skater Jenna McCorkell said: “I had a great time on the ice, it’s genuinely the best outdoor rink I’ve ever skated on. The skate lights are brilliant too – they add to the lovely experience and are a simple way to brighten up the dark nights!”
Canary Wharf’s Ice Rink has London’s longest skating season. It opened in October 2021 and runs through to Saturday 26th February 2022. The rink boasts a clear roof with hundreds of twinkling fairy lights – so there’s no need to worry about the winter weather.
Spectators and skaters looking to warm up post-skating can grab a hot drink at cosy Alpine-themed bar Off Piste or one of the many nearby restaurants and bars, including Six by Nico, Pergola on the Wharf and Hawksmoor which is housed in a floating pavilion in the docks of Wood Wharf.
Tickets are on sale now until Saturday 26th February, starting at £11.95 for children: 4-12 years and £17.95 for 13 years and over, with a family package available for £49.50 (excluding booking fee).
