Jayne Torvill OBE Opens Hello Kitty Secret Garden at Drusillas Park

Skating legend and Olympic Ice Dance Champion Jayne Torvill OBE officially opened the first permanent Hello Kitty attraction in Europe at Drusillas Park today (17 May).

The popular Dancing on Ice star skated to fame over 30 years ago, alongside professional partner Christopher Dean. The former British, European and World Champions were awarded the gold medal in the 1984 Winter Olympics after becoming the highest scoring figure skaters of all time. Jayne remains one of the most well-loved and recognisable sports personalities of our time and was appointed an OBE in the 2000 New Year Honours list.

To launch Hello Kitty Secret Garden at Drusillas Park, an opening ceremony took place at 11.30am.  Drusillas’ Managing Director, Laurence Smith said a few words to mark the occasion followed by Salvatore Zingrillo, representing Hello Kitty owners Sanrio. Jayne then declared the new attraction officially open by the cutting of a ribbon alongside Hello Kitty herself.

Drusillas’ Managing Director, Christine Smith commented: “We are absolutely delighted that Jayne Torvill agreed to attend our event and perform the official opening of Hello Kitty Secret Garden. It was a real honour to meet her and I know our visitors were as thrilled as we were to have such a popular personality at the Park.”

Hello Kitty Secret Garden is Drusillas Park’s biggest investment to date, expected to top £1million. Set in an English country garden, the new attraction includes three specially designed children’s rides; a Hello Kitty car ride, reach for the sky hopper ride and a tea cup ride. There’s also a Hello Kitty House and Parlour – where face painting and other activities take place – as well as regular meet and greet opportunities with the star herself during key holiday times.