Ice Dreams: Blackpool Lass Anastasia Vaipan-Law Takes on The ISU European Figure Skating Championships

Inspired by Blackpool’s glittering ice shows and a family legacy that began under the spotlight, Anastasia Vaipan-Law has turned her childhood dreams into reality. From rinkside in Blackpool to representing Britain on the world stage, her story glistens with talent, tenacity and Northern heart.

Blackpool might be best known for its Tower and trams, but it’s also got another cool claim to fame. It’s home to the world’s oldest purpose-built ice rink and the longest-running ice show on the planet. No wonder it’s inspired generations of Northern youngsters to lace up their skates and give it a whirl.

One of those kids was Blackpool-born figure skater Anastasia Vaipan-Law, 26, who was inspired by a family connection to the ice rink.

“My parents both performed in the ice show,” she says proudly. The show first hit the rink back in 1936 and has wowed crowds ever since with dazzling routines, glittering costumes, and a sprinkle of Blackpool magic — all on ice, of course. “I practically lived in the rink,” Ana laughs. “But at first, I wasn’t actually allowed on the ice!”

That soon changed. Once her mum finally gave in and let her have a go, six-year-old Ana was hooked. “My mum showed me the basics, then I started proper coaching, and before long I was skating all the time.”

Her talent and determination saw her move up north to Dundee as a teenager for more advanced training, but she says her Blackpool roots are still at the heart of her success.

“Blackpool’s had such a massive impact on my entire career,” she says. “I wouldn’t be where I am without it. Growing up around the show meant I was constantly watching amazing figure skaters from all over the world. I just wanted to be like them. It gave me that fighter’s mindset, to push myself, to keep improving.”

Being surrounded by performers also shaped Ana’s personality. “It made me expressive and confident. I was such an energetic kid, and watching those incredible skaters perform every night really brought that out in me. I don’t think I’d have the same drive or standards if I hadn’t grown up in that rink.”

That early sparkle clearly paid off. In January, Ana and her skating partner Luke Digby placed Top 5 at the European Figure Skating Championships in Estonia — the best result for a British pair in over 30 years. Not bad for a lass from Blackpool!

Now, the duo are turning their focus to the 2026 European Championships, which will be held in Sheffield in January 2026, practically a home crowd for the Northern skater.

“It means everything to represent Britain on the world stage,” Ana says. “My parents, grandparents — everyone — have sacrificed so much to help me get here. It’s not just my achievement, it’s my family’s too. Seeing their pride makes it all worth it.”

“You’ve got to persevere, trust your coaches and your teammates, and stay true to yourself. And above all, enjoy it! The fun’s what keeps you going.”

Ana and Luke have known each other since they were kids. “We’ve always been friends,” she says. “We both did singles skating when we were younger and were doing pretty well, but then we both ended up needing the same knee surgery, at the same time!”

They both had Olympic dreams, but following surgery, Ana knew this wasn’t going to be possible as a single skater.

Instead of calling it quits, they devised a new plan. “We both wanted to go to the Olympics and still loved skating, so we decided to team up and switch to pairs. It’s worked out brilliantly. We’ve built a really strong partnership, and now we’re aiming for the European Championships and then the Olympics!”

As for advice for any youngsters dreaming of twirling across the ice in glittering costumes, Ana’s refreshingly honest.

“The journey’s long, really long, and it can feel like your goals are miles away. But if you trust the process, take it year by year, and celebrate the little wins, you’ll be amazed how far you get,” she says. “You’ve got to persevere, trust your coaches and your teammates, and stay true to yourself. And above all, enjoy it! The fun’s what keeps you going.”

From a kid watching the ice show in Blackpool to skating for Team GB on the world stage, Ana’s story is proof that the Northern grit and a bit of Blackpool sparkle can take you a very long way.

The ISU European Figure Skating Championships take place in Sheffield in January 2026.

For more information, visit www.Europeans2026.com

NorthernLife Winter 25