Canterbury on Ice cancelled this year

Canterbury on Ice, the council’s ice rink in the Dane John Gardens over the Christmas period, has been cancelled for this year.

With uncertainty on how long the lockdown will last, how the restrictions will be lifted and whether social distancing will still be in place which is difficult for people on the ice, the decision has been taken now so the council's suppliers can make alternative plans.

Head of Commercial and Cultural Development, Caroline Cooper, said: “Canterbury on Ice proved to be a fantastically-popular new addition to the city centre last year generating enormous economic benefits and boosting footfall.

“Last year was our first attempt and we learned a huge number of lessons that we had hoped, if councillors agreed, to put into practice this year to boost the financial viability of the ice rink and put it on the road to making a surplus that we could then invest in frontline services.

“Thank you to everyone who bought a ticket last year, to our advertisers and sponsors, our suppliers and everyone living in the Dane John Gardens for their support. It was a real team effort.”

A total of 16,000 skaters visited Canterbury on Ice and gave it a 90% satisfaction rating. The event created £627,000 in economic activity for the city.

Councillors will need to take a view on whether to hold the event in 2021, but no decision is required for several months.

Published: 2 May 2020