There may be no ice on the streets of Moscow yet, but Red Square has already geared up for skaters. An ice rink has been constructed there and a gala opening with Russian movie stars and athletes is set to take place.

Moscow has been treated with surprisingly mild temperatures this winter. Members of the Russia TV show “Stars on Ice” have already tried out the rink and given it their stamp of approval.

“Where else but Russia would a reality TV show like ‘Stars on Ice’, which pairs celebrities with professional ice skaters, gain so much popularity?,” exclaimed Ingeborga Dapkunayte, an actress and a member of the show.

Everyone in Moscow has the opportunity to skate on the ice. The massive Red Square rink will be open from 10am until midnight for all three of the winter months.

“In New York they have a rink and a Christmas tree at the Rockefeller Centre, and now we have a great rink too, and people can skate as before, holding hands,” said Tatiana Tarasova, a distinguished Russian coach, who is also a judge on “Stars on Ice”.

“It is very organic for children and adults in Russia to learn to ice skate from early on and that is why our country has such terrific results in figure skating competitions,” added Mrs Tarasova.