It will be 23 years in February since Robin Cousins, now an MBE, held high the gold medal at the 1980 Winter Olympics.

"I was very, very young," he admitted, at the launch of his latest project, in the city where he was welcomed back as a hero after his figure skating triumph.

After a varied career which has included performing, coaching and even panto - Robin is now choreographer of Holiday on Ice, which brings its stunning "In Concert" show to Bristol in April.

"I am sorry I didn't get to perform in Bristol when I was part of the cast of Holiday on Ice," said Robin.

Although the show has been touring the world for decades, and is expecting to greet its 300 millionth visitor this season, this is its first visit to Bristol.

The main reason has been the city's lack of a suitably-sized exhibition venue.

A problem which has been solved this year by the use of a "mobile ice theatre" which will be erected on the Downs.

"After seeing the new At-Bristol development I hope it is not going to be too long before Holiday on Ice can put its own building away and use one of the city's own," said Robin.

Ice theatre

The ice tent itself could well prove to be something of a spectacle.

Six months in development, it will be large enough to accommodate a 76m x 66m ice rink, changing areas and seating for 4,400 people.

In fact the entrance foyer alone will be the size of a circus big top.

Steve Switzman, the show's general manager, admits he is a little anxious about his new baby.

"But we'll be having a little practice in Norwich before we reach Bristol," he said.

It will take 11 days to construct the theatre on the Downs, a day and a half just to create the 1.5-inch thick ice rink.

Then there's the leveling of the ground to make sure skaters are not having to cope with lumps and bumps, the placing of a proper floor and installation of a heating system.

"It is very important that we make the venue as comfortable as possible," said Steve.

"We want visitors to have a great experience and they should expect a very high quality product."

Shipping containers

The assorted paraphernalia for Holiday on Ice fills 16 shipping containers, 12 alone being devoted to the tent structure.

Sixty people are needed to help construct it
and the tent itself is made of a combination of vinyl and canvas.

It will be placed on land opposite the city's Water Tower and is expected to take over much of the ground.

So, a massive amount of effort for a four-day show - will it be worth it?

The show's chief executive, Eric-Paul Dijkhuisen, certainly thinks so.

"I love your town and will certainly come back and hopefully make a similar speech next year when we come back after a great success," he said.

Live music

But what of the show - what can we expect for the price of a ticket?

Certainly colour and music in abundance. For the first time this year the Holiday on Ice show is using live musicians along with its usual pre-recorded tracks.

And they won't be shut away in a corner of the theatre, but out on the ice as part of the whole concert experience.

The eight members of the band come from six different countries, a cosmopolitan influence reflected in the skaters and the show itself.

The concert takes the audience on a whirlwind tour of the world and its music, from tribal Africa to the mystery of the Middle East, street life in the USA to the passion of South America.

Vibrant

With music from the likes of Sting, the Gypsy Kings, John Lee Hooker, Miles Davies and Ladysmith Black Mambazo - and ice dancing and costumes to match - a lively, vibrant time is promised.

Holiday On Ice will be at the Ice Theatre on the Downs from Wednesday 2nd April until Sunday 6th April.

The gala performance on the Wednesday will support the city's St Peter's Hospice with £1 from every adult ticket donated to the charity.

Adult ticket prices range from £14 - £24, with family and children discounts, and can be obtained from the Colston Hall Box Office or from a special booking number: 0845 367 8000.