IT'S really happening - an ice rink is coming to Southampton.

This weekend shoppers can put down their bags and pull on their skates at WestQuay retail park for two days only.

Residents have long called for an ice rink and WestQuay has organised the event from midday to 6pm today to thank shoppers for using the shopping centre.

Marketing officer Emma-Kate Rowley said: “The rink is about giving back and building that loyalty of the city.

“It gives us a chance to engage with the community and give WestQuay a chance to be more than just a shopping destination.”

The synthetic ice rink will be suitable for people of all ages and is wheelchair friendly.

The rink will be located opposite Furniture Village in the car park.

Children who are not confident on the ice can use ice skating penguin aids also free of charge.

Skaters will be on the ice for 20 minutes and the system will work on a first come, first serve basis.

If the weekend event is successful West Quay hopes to have a bigger and better event next year.

Five years ago market traders attempted to bring an ice rink to the city for eight weeks in front of the city’s historic Bargate monument, but it never returned.