Virgin Atlantic Holidays glides into the festive season

Virgin Atlantic Holidays is bringing the sunshine to chilly London town this Christmas, as it launches its partnership with SKATE at Somerset House, the premier winter experience in the heart of the capital. And, to add some festive sparkle to the occasion, the holiday company has teamed up with renowned ice skating choreographer Vanessa Bauer to launch the partnership in style.

Ahead of SKATE’s official opening on 13^th November, Vanessa choreographed an immersive routine, designed to highlight the array of experiences available in Virgin Atlantic Holidays destinations. Working with fellow professional skaters, who donned the iconic red Vivienne Westwood uniform, the routine subtly incorporates nods to holidays and the different experiences customers can enjoy including diving, hiking, water sports and wellness.

Vanessa’s routine also features guest appearances from two of Virgin Atlantic Holidays’ own people, with Captain Jean-Patrick Fays and check in agent Emily Horner assisting in bringing Vanessa’s vision to life.  Jean-Patrick regularly flies to New York, using his spare time to brush up on his skating in Times Square, whilst Emily loves to skate in between her busy shifts.

Those wishing to escape to warmer climes following the festive break can get one step closer to the sun by attending SKATE at Somerset House.  Any guests coming to SKATE at Somerset House during the winter season can enter a competition to win £5,000 of holiday vouchers, courtesy of Virgin Atlantic Holidays to jet off hiking in the Hollywood Hills, scuba diving in the Maldives or a spa break in the Caribbean.

Vanessa Bauer, ice skating chorographer, commented: “I’m so excited to be here with Virgin Atlantic Holidays to bring a little bit of sunshine to a crisp London town. We’ve had great fun on the ice developing a special travel themed routine showcasing the incredible destinations Virgin Atlantic Holidays offers, from exploring the desert in Dubai, hiking in the Hollywood hills or reenergising in the Maldives. And it’s really inspiring me to swap my ice skates for my roller blades as when I’m not on the ice you can find me soaking up the sun in LA, roller blading at Venice Beach.

“I’ve brought some of my professional skaters with me today but we’ve also got a skating check-in agent and Captain. They can definitely skate with me again if they fancy a career change – their red uniform looks amazing on the ice!”

Jean- Patrick Fays, Virgin Atlantic Captain, commented: “Today I’ve swapped the cockpit for the ice rink! I always find local ice rinks in the destinations we fly to – Somerset House is obviously my favourite in London and I also love skating in Central Park in New York, so it’s been incredible to work alongside some skating icons today.  I’m so lucky to fly our customers around the world to such a mix of destinations and it’s great to see these reflected in the routine.

“I’m also delighted our customers can get a slice of the action too! So make sure you come on down to SKATE at Somerset House and you never know – you could be skating in Manhattan instead of London, snorkelling in the Caribbean or roller blading in LA very soon!”