Poor weather has delayed the opening of a popular ice rink in Tunbridge Wells.

The borough council said a combination of unseasonably warm weather, high winds and rain has forced Icescape, the rink operator, to cancel the launch of the Christmas 2015 event.

It was due to be opened and marked tonight by a special performance from Silver Blades Gillingham and samba band Bloco Fogo.

The first public skating session was also due to take place shortly after 6pm.

Public skating will now commence on Saturday morning at 11am.

Icescape’s director, Mark Smith, said: "This week we’ve had temperatures of 12 and 13 degrees which in itself is challenging but together with the heat from the friction caused by the high winds the impact on the ice is too great and it’s not skateable.

"This is not just a problem in Tunbridge Wells, we know the rinks at Hampton Court and Tower of London are also unable to open."

Councillor Jane March, cabinet member with responsibility for tourism, leisure and economic development said: "It’s very disappointing news for everyone who was planning to skate. We are working hard with Icescape to minimise the impact on customers and get going as quickly as possible.

"We always have such a positive reaction to the ice rink and people are being very understanding."

Box office staff say they are making efforts to contact people who have tickets booked for Friday evening and Saturday morning and skaters will be offered a different session or a refund.

For more information call the Assembly Hall Box Office on 01892 530613, Monday to Friday 9.30am – 5pm.