Ice Rink Brings ‘Super Cool Christmas’ to Reading

A REAL ice rink in Forbury Gardens will be the centre piece of an exciting programme of festivities in the Reading town centre.

The rink, officially known as Reading Winter on Ice, operates from 9th December to 4th January and caps the town centre’s festive programme. The Christmas period start will on Saturday the 15th of November the town centre, the Oracle and Broad Street Mall's Christmas lights being switched on for the first time this year.

The Lighting Up Reading events will be followed by Reading Christmas Food and Craft Fair in Town Hall Square from the 27th of November to the 7th December and a beautiful pop-up gallery and shop, Make Reading, in the Town Hall, which will be offering unique handmade gifts from Reading-based artists over the same period.

Other special events will include the Civic Carol Service on the 18th of December, special shopping evenings, a Santa Run for charity on the 14th of December and of course the Hexagon’s Pantomime, Cinderella, which will run from the 6th of December to the 4th of January. There'll also be plenty of opportunities for younger visitors to let Santa Claus know what they want for Christmas in the run up to Christmas as his hectic schedule takes him to Reading Winter on Ice, Broad Street Mall, Make Reading and John Lewis.

From the 9th of December to January the 4th, Reading Winter on Ice, the purpose-built ice rink, which measures 30m x 12m and with a capacity of 120 skaters per session will take pride of place beneath the Maiwand Lion. Other activities include an enchanting Santa’s Grotto, themed Christmas rides and - for those that are more adventurous - a thrilling 50 metre zip wire. Festive chalets will sell a range of seasonal gifts, and daily entertainment comes from local bands and carol singers.

Reading’s Lead Member for Culture, Sport and Consumer Services, Cllr Paul Gittings said:

“The ice rink and the other attractions at Forbury Gardens and throughout the town centre will make this year’s town centre festivities a real treat for residents and visitors alike.

“A trip to Reading’s Winter on Ice promises to be a fun, family-friendly night out with plenty to do see and do.”

Shops and restaurants in Reading will gear up for Christmas from 15 November. Details of Christmas late opening shopping hours in December as well as Christmas menus and all the ‘Super Cool’ Christmas events can be found at www.livingreading.co.uk. A leaflet which will celebrate all the festive events and providing information on Christmas shopping and dining is going to be available throughout Reading from late October. Booking for Reading Winter on Ice is open now at www.readingwinteronice.ticketsource.co.uk