Dundonald International Ice Bowl is celebrating 40 incredible years with a spectacular birthday party on Saturday 26th September, bringing families and friends together for an action-packed day of skating, bowling, soft play, entertainment and more!
Since opening its doors in 1986, Dundonald International Ice Bowl has become a much-loved destination for generations of families across Northern Ireland, Ireland and beyond, creating countless memories on the ice, in the bowling centre and at Indiana Land.
To mark this milestone birthday, the Ice Bowl is pulling out all the stops with a special 40th Birthday Party celebration taking place from 1pm – 7pm on Saturday 26th September.
Visitors can expect a fantastic programme of entertainment throughout the day, from 1pm to 7pm. There will be mesmerising performances from Circusful (Belfast Community Circus School), with acts including a magician, clowns and a juggler.
Children can get in the birthday party spirit with face painting and balloon modellers, while visitors can enjoy plenty of prize giveaways, Spin the Wheel competitions and entertainment from Downtown Radio’s Glen Pavis.
Ice skating exhibitions at 1.15pm, 3.15pm and 5.15pm will feature some of the region’s top skating talent, including former Olympic skater and Ice Bowl coach Kevin van der Perren, Dancing on Ice star and Ice Bowl coach Maria Filippov, alongside other local performers.
On Friday 25th September, Indiana Land will host a Sensory Friendly Silent Disco from 5.45pm – 7.00pm. The event is aimed at individuals aged 14 years and under on the autism spectrum. On arrival, each child will receive a set of wireless headsets and can choose from sing-along party favourites for a fun and inclusive experience.
The 40th birthday celebrations will not only mark four decades of Dundonald International Ice Bowl, but will celebrate the generations of families, friends, schools, clubs and communities who have made it part of their lives since 1986.
Chair of the Communities and Wellbeing Committee, Councillor Sharon Lowry commented: “Turning 40 is a fantastic milestone for Dundonald International Ice Bowl, and we wanted to celebrate by bringing the community together for a special birthday party.
“The centre has welcomed so many people over the past four decades, each with their own memories of visiting, from learning to ice skate and enjoying family days out, to celebrating birthdays or simply spending time with friends.
“Our 40th birthday celebration is our way of saying thank you and inviting everyone to come along, celebrate with us and make some new memories before we move into our new building in 2027 and welcome a new chapter in the Ice Bowl’s history.
“With an action-packed programme of events planned on 26th September, there will be something for everyone to enjoy.”
The 40th birthday celebrations are expected to be a highlight of Dundonald International Ice Bowl’s anniversary year, celebrating its place as one of Northern Ireland’s best-known family leisure attractions.
For more information or to book, visit www.theicebowl.com