Plans to bring a new covered ice rink to Imperial Gardens in Cheltenham have been axed for Christmas 2020, due to ongoing concerns about Coronavirus and social distancing.
Organised by Cheltenham BID, director Kevan Blackadder said: ‘We have taken advice on whether it will be safe and economically sensible to go ahead with an ice rink, which brings very different issues for social distancing. The overall opinion is that it would be very difficult to run this year.
‘As well as difficulties around social distancing, there is also the question of public confidence. The feedback we have had is that many families will not be confident to use a rink in November and December this year. Several other cities and towns have had to make the same decision.’
Cheltenham BID has said it will now look to host an indoor ice rink for the first time over the Christmas period in 2021.
Cheltenham’s two Christmas markets will continue, however. With Cotswold Markets, who run regular craft and farmers markets in Cheltenham, due to have its Christmas market along The Promenade. And new operator, Market Place, due to run a Christmas market on The Long Gardens, next to Imperial Gardens and on the pavement opposite.
Kevan Blackadder added: ‘For a full month from November 25 to Christmas Eve, we’re looking to ensure that Cheltenham has Christmas markets to remember this year.’
There will also be a new supplier for Cheltenham’s Christmas Lights, which Cheltenham BID has said will ‘bring spectacular displays to the town centre’.
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