“ICE at Kensington Palace launched by Tamarisk Events’ Peter Phillips and Rob Derry”

Source : standoutmagazine.co.uk/ice-at-kensington-palace-launched-by-tamarisk-events

By Caroline Clift 6 September 2023

ICE at Kensington Palace – a winter experience with sustainability at its heart – has been launched by Tamarisk Events.

Held in the grounds of Kensington Palace, ICE at Kensington Palace (November 30 – January 7) will feature a 2,800 square metre ice rink, an elevated VIP area, a festive centrepiece, sustainable food and drink options, retail outlets, and other attractions.

The winter extravaganza is the brainchild of Tamarisk Events, founded by Peter Phillips and Rob Derry, the former managing director of Arena HK and Ironmonger Group.

Phillips said: “A key point of difference is where this event is located and because of that we have had to commit to various sustainability goals and targets.”

Phillips continued: “Sustainability is a big focus. We will be working with suppliers and our partners, looking at CO2 reduction and at our energy use.”

ICE at Kensington Palace has revealed that Green Biofuels will be its exclusive HVO supplier and Aggreko will be its official energy provider. Aggreko will provide Stage 5 generators to the event.

Tamarisk Events is working with Wanderlands, which is advising both Derry and Phillips on sustainability. Plus, Arena is providing services to the event as is Rudi Enos, who has designed a special roof solution – called the Sky Sail – which will cover the ice rink.

Derry said: “This location is once in a lifetime so the priority for us is to get it right. We’re pulling together the best facets and the plan is to establish the event for years to come and for it to be a mainstay in the calendar.”

Derry and Phillips identified a gap in the market for an ice rink experience just as the Natural History Museum and Tower of London ice rink experiences were closing.

As former managing director of Arena Events Group’s events and ice business, Derry has vast experience in running ice rinks. His knowledge of ice rinks and infrastructure puts him in a prime position to organise ICE at Kensington Palace whilst Phillips has extensive experience of organising events in central London and has huge commercial awareness.

Phillips confirmed that the event – which has a licence for 4,999 – continues to look for sponsorship despite confirmed partnerships with Cecconi’s by Soho House and Fortnum and Mason.

“It will be a crucial part of our P&L,” said Derry. “For year one, we are pleased where we are with our partners. We are looking for more, but they have to fit with our sustainability goals.”

He continued: “The ice rink has a capacity of 750 and we’re modelling year one on 34 per cent so we’re looking at 120,000 skaters.”

Derry confirmed that ICE at Kensington Palace is part of a long-term plan, and he and Phillips hope to establish the event. Repeating it is not on the agenda but if successful, then they may look at other event opportunities.

Phillips and Derry concluded: “We are thrilled to be bringing ICE at Kensington Palace to London this winter. With an abundance of retail, food and beverage, and exclusive experiences, guests can expect a spectacular magical winter experience that puts the planet, nature and people at the heart of its values. We will have even more to come over the next few months so watch this space.”