CHESTER Zoo is celebrating after its record-breaking number of visitors continues to rise.
The zoo had 164,813 more visitors than in 2006 – boosted by the second annual Frost Fair.
The popular attractions include food stalls, a carousel and an even bigger ice rink.
Also new this year are two characters Frosty the polar bear and Waddles the penguin.
The 110-acre zoo is open as usual throughout the Frost Fair and a Twilight Ticket will allow guests into the fair after the zoo closes.
Retail and catering stalls selling festive produce and gifts together with magical decorations and lighting and a 20ft Christmas tree.
The Frost Fair closes on January 13 but there is still plenty to see and even some special events lined up.
The Wild Winter exhibition opened last Friday.
Visitors can enjoy a torch-lit walk through a winter woodland.
On Friday, January 11, 13 to 17-year-olds are having a two-hour twilight skate and disco between 8.30-10.30pm for £10, including a hot dog and a drink.
Families fancying an early start can enjoy Frost Fair character breakfasts where they will be able to dine out at the zoo’s Café Tsavo and meet Frosty and Waddle for pictures and autographs.
A sound slide from the opening of the Chester Zoo Frost Fair can be found at www.chesterchronicle.co.uk.
The ice rink is open daily from 10am to 7pm (Mon-Thurs), or 8pm (weekends and school holidays). It is open for toddler-only sessions on weekdays between noon and 1pm.
For details, visit www. chesterzoo.org/frostfair.
