Ben Payne: Winter Wonderland: It’s all looking good

It’s been just over a month since planning permission was given for the Winter Wonderland and Ice Rink in the grounds of the Colchester Castle.

After months of hard work, planning and development by a lot of people it was a great relief finally to have it signed off.

Since then, the real work has started to bring a great event to Colchester this Christmas.

We launched the ticket sales on the night we got planning approval and the response has just been fantastic.

Anyone we talk to is just so positive about this event happening and that’s so encouraging.

We’re really working on this being a “Colchester” event, one people of all ages can come and enjoy.

We’re looking forward to working with other organisations in the town to help organise this event.

The Mercury Theatre is selling the tickets for the event, we’re working with some of the town’s hotels and restaurants on food/accommodation packages, and we hope to be working with local arts organisations to provide art and music on the site.

It’s not just about the ice rink – it’s about the town coming together to enjoy Christmas and creating a sense of occasion.

So what’s on my “to do” list? Firstly I had a meeting with Santa this week to discuss his requirements for his grotto. Obviously, at this time of year, he’s really busy, but we’re lucky he is coming to spend some time in Colchester.

Secondly our skate aid mascot’s just been given his name, thanks to our competition winner. I’ll be taking Parker the Penguin (@parkert_penguin) out and about, showing him where he’s going to be spending this Christmas before he migrates back to the South Pole. I think he is going to love Colchester Ice Rink.

I’ve also got to make sure we have enough ice. I’ve been asked many times if we’re having the real stuff – and yes we are. There’ll be 450 sq m of it! But it’s not just as simple as turning the tap on and hoping it sets.

There’s a lot of science, and construction to go into making sure it will cope with 25,000 skaters, with the rink open 11 hours a day for 39 days.

We’re also going to have to build temporary structures for the food, drink outlets and a skate changing room. It takes a while to plan all this, and make sure we will be 100 per cent ready for you all to come and enjoy it.

I’ll be back in a few weeks with another update. In the meantime, don’t forget tickets are available now at colchestericerink.co.uk

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