Clarks Village is giving away free tickets to the launch of its festive ice rink next week.

The Somerset shopping outlet is inviting people to the "World’s Biggest Santa Skate" on Thursday, November 14, which will mark the opening of the ice rink.

Clarks Village hopes to break the record for the most Santas on ice at the event.

As part of the fun, free event, guests are encouraged to dress up in Santa suits and join Father Christmas on the ice.

There will be free ice skating between 5pm and 6.45pm with everyone asked to join the record attempt in their Santa suits at 6pm.

To attend, guests must book their free tickets on the Clarks Village website.

The real Santa will be at the event to meet guests, pose for photographs and selfies, and be interviewed live by the event’s DJ.

He will also help host the record attempt on the ice.

Everyone who attends Clarks Village’s World’s Biggest Santa Skate will be given a special participation rosette with on-the-spot certificates for fancy dress efforts.

Chris Davis, centre director of Clarks Village, said: "We take Christmas seriously at Clarks Village and what better way to prove it than by launching our festive ice rink with the World’s Biggest Santa Skate.

"The event promises to be a fun and memorable experience with a chance to dress up, enjoy a festive skate, meet Father Christmas – and hopefully break a record too.

"To make sure everyone can join us in the celebrations, all tickets to the event are free but we recommend booking now to avoid disappointment."

The 550-square-metre undercover ice rink will open daily from Thursday, November 14, until Sunday, January 5, excluding Christmas Day.

It is located in the grounds of the Alfred Gillett Trust, adjacent to the outlet.

The ice rink is wheelchair friendly and will have a dedicated entrance within Clarks Village’s restaurant terrace.

For more details or to claim free tickets to the World’s Biggest Santa Skate event, visit the Clarks Village website.