Organisers behind Felixstowe’s ice rink have said this year’s opening event could well have been the best they have seen yet.
Organisers behind Felixstowe’s ice rink have said this year’s opening event could well have been the best they have seen yet.
A large crowd of families descended on the town’s Eastern Square, in Hamilton Road, for the launch of the attraction yesterday morning, which will offer free skating and boot hire for all ages until Saturday.
The launch event, organised by Felixstowe Town Council with support from the East of England Co-op, drew in keen skaters and amateurs from the off, who glided around the rink to live Christmas music and carols from the Salvation Army Band, Felixstowe Harmonies and Pop Chorus.
Ash Tadjrishi, Felixstowe town clerk, said he was thrilled with the festivities.
“Now in its third year at Great Eastern Square, the ice rink is proving to be more popular than ever,” he said. “The mayor’s opening was a great success, with the performers all adding to the fun, festive atmosphere.
“Thanks to the East of England Co-op we have been able to offer the skating for free yet again – just turn up and have a go.
“There’s no need to book and plenty of entertainment throughout the event for people of all ages, with a giant inflatable slide, mini-train ride and refreshment stalls.”
Head of specialist retail at the East of England Co-op, Andrew Dawes, joined the Mayor of Felixstowe Nick Barber to officially launch the ice rink. Lynn Warner, from the co-op’s community engagement team, donned fancy dress and handed out freebies including sweets, Christmas stickers and cups of warm spiced apple juice to passers-by.
She said: “It has been an incredibly busy year for our team and in Felixstowe alone we have been able to support many local events including the Mayor of Felixstowe’s charity ball, Art on the Prom and 356 Felixstowe Air Cadets. We are pleased to finish a fantastic year in Felixstowe by once again supporting the ice rink.”
Mr Dawes added: “The ice rink is a great activity for all the family and seems to be growing in popularity every year. I’m sure this winter will be no exception.”
Mayor of Felixstowe, Nick Barber, said: “It is another great event for Felixstowe. Many thanks to The East of England Co-op for their continued support and I am sure it will be very popular.”
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