A HUGE pop-up ice skating rink will be returning to Colchester to bring some pre-Christmas cheer after its success last year.

Firstsite art gallery in Lewis Gardens will host the attraction once more from December 9 until New Year’s Eve.

It follows the success of the Art Fund Museum of the Year’s first ever outdoor skating rink in 2020, and it now promises an “even bigger and better version” this Christmas.

Covering a whopping 200 square metres, the new rink features a specially designed surface used by professional skating athletes, which will allow users to glide around like a true star of Dancing on Ice.

Gazette:

Each skating session lasts 45 minutes and is priced from £13 for adults and £6.50 for children under 14-years-old.

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The rink will be situated close to Firstsite’s newly-refurbished café, which also has a balcony from which to enjoy refreshments and provides an ideal vantage point for watching on.

Visitors will also be able to see the gallery’s free-to-see exhibitions every day from 10am until 5pm, including the new show Life with Art: Benton End and the East Anglian Drawing School.

Also to be enjoyed is the uplifting @background_bob and his amazing friends – guess who’s back! exhibition after the huge success of the young, disabled artist from Dedham’s show last year.

Before or after skating, visitors can also enjoy Sculpture at Firstsite, a new addition to the gallery where work can be enjoyed 24/7 in its gardens.

Firstsite director Sally Shaw said: “Christmas is all about having fun with your friends and family but, after another tough year, the need to make the most of the festive season has possibly never been more important.

“That’s why we’re bringing a bigger and better rink to Firstsite, putting a smile on your face with Background Bob and providing a chance to explore all aspects of creativity and its benefits with Life with Art.

“Plus our café will have loads of delicious and warming treats to enjoy over the festive period.

“Our new Sculpture at Firstsite also means everyone can enjoy some incredible artworks in the fresh air and at any time of day.

“Skaters attending our later time slots, or visitors who come to Firstsite after dark, also have the wonderful opportunity of seeing these artworks lit up against the night’s sky, which creates a really magical feel to Firstsite’s outdoor area, and a wonderful way to end your day out at Firstsite.”

The pop-up rink in 2020 proved a hit for residents during what was a thin Christmas calendar amid on and off Government Covid-19 restrictions.

Firstsite bosses opened the gallery in early December when lockdown ended.