Words & Photos by Ed

The FSO4 Freeze Festival has kicked off today. For the second year running, a giant real-snow kicker has been constructed beneath the iconic shadow of London’s Battersea Powerstation, and some of the world’s best riders are hurling themselves off it as we speak.

At lunchtime we were treated to a Battle of Britain competition, in which the local talent had a chance to shine on the big stage. The likes of Tyler Chorlton, Olympic hopeful Ben Kilner and Scott McMorris were all throwing down, but in the superfinal it was Halifax wunderkid Jamie Nicholls who nabbed the victory with a smooth backside 900. Biggest cheer of the comp so far went to Burton’s Gary Greenshields, who stomped a sick double backflip, while spinning into third came the steezy Dom Harington (keep an eye out for Dom in the Tuaca Bar later, where he’ll be spinning the wheels of steel).

Tonight sees a best trick comp between the skiers and snowboarders at 6pm, before the music gets underway with Pendulum DJ Set and tonight’s headliners Orbital.

Check back tomorrow for pictures of the snowboarding big guns as they battle it out in the FIS event.

Battle of Britain Results:

1st Jamie Nicholls (Salomon/Quiksilver/Red Bull/Nike 6.0)

2nd Gary Greenshields (Burton/Volcom/Relentless)

3rd Dom Harington (Rome/32/Animal/Adidas/Relentless/Skullcandy)