Chance to see Europe's top figure skaters in action

The International Skating Union event at the Motorpoint Arena, runs from Sunday ) to 29.

It is the first time in more than 20 years that the championships will be held in England after Sheffield was successful in its bid to stage the prestigious event.

The event is the third largest competition involving figure skaters, behind the World Championships and the Winter Olympics.

Keith Horton, chief executive of National Ice Skating Association, said: “The ISU European Figure Skating Championships is one of the top three events on the skating calendar and will attract competitors and their coaches from all across Europe and spectators from all over the world to Sheffield.

“In a year when the whole country will be celebrating the London Olympics, it will be hugely exciting to kick off 2012 with this blue ribbon ice event.

“We are expecting scores of European journalists in Sheffield to cover the competition, many of them using the event to visit England ahead of the Olympics later in the year.”

Tickets, priced £160 and £110, will give customers access to all sessions throughout the week.

Individual day tickets are also on sale from £10 to £31.

To book visit www.motorpointarenasheffield.co.uk or contact 0114 256 56 56.