Ice rink not returning to town at Christmas

2 hours ago

Alex PopeNorthamptonshire

West Northamptonshire Council hopes WinterFest will "celebrate everything that makes Northampton such a great place"

West Northamptonshire Council People walking through Market Square, at night, their images are blurred. There is a large Christmas tree with lights on it, and market huts. Buildings are behind the huts and tree. — West Northamptonshire Council hopes WinterFest will "celebrate everything that makes Northampton such a great place"

An ice rink will not be returning to a town as part of its festive activities after it made its inaugural appearance last winter, a council has confirmed.

West Northamptonshire Council said after listening to "feedback" it had taken a "different approach" away from the attraction in Northampton.

The authority said the ice rink generated £123,500 through ticket and bar sales and it "broke even" on costs last year.

Reform UK councillor Kamala Guliyeva said instead of focusing on "a single attraction" WinterFest would start on 21 November, at the light switch-on, and continue until 3 January.

Figures obtained by the Local Democracy Reporting Service found the total cost of the ice rink last year was £335,514.27.

The difference of about £200,000 between its cost and income generated was made up from taxpayer money and sponsorship.

As part of the festival, lights will be installed throughout the town and the ones along Wellingborough Road will be upgraded.

Christmas trees about 40ft (12m) tall will be located at All Saints' Piazza, Guildhall Square, Market Square, Abington Square and Becket's Park.

The ice rink attracted visitors to Market Square from 4 December 2025 to 4 January

Ollie Conopo A large ice rink that looks like it is in a large marquee, with lights in the ceiling and a glitter ball. There are lots of people skating on the rink. Buildings are at the back of the structure. — The ice rink attracted visitors to Market Square from 4 December 2025 to 4 January

The council said this year's WinterFest will include Christmas-themed retail huts and a fairground with a 175ft (53m) star ride.

It added it was inviting schools, students, community groups and charities to perform on its entertainment stage.

New trees will also be outside the railway station on St Peter's Way and on Kingsley Front, at St Matthew's Church.

The festival has been organised by the authority, Northampton Town Council, Northampton Town Centre Business Improvement District, the Grosvenor Centre and Delapré Abbey.

Carols on the Square will take place on Northampton Market Square on 12 December

West Northamptonshire Council A large group of people outside in a market square, it is dark. There are gazebos behind them. Christmas lights in trees and buildings lit up. — Carols on the Square will take place on Northampton Market Square on 12 December

Guliyeva, the authority's cabinet member for local economy, culture and leisure, said: "Having listened to feedback from residents, this year we have taken a different approach to our festive offer and are introducing WinterFest.

"While there will not be an ice rink as part of this year's programme, rather than focusing on a single attraction, WinterFest will provide a wide range of activities, entertainment and community celebrations designed to engage communities and offer something for all ages across the festive season."

She hoped the festival would help "drive footfall into the town centre and create memorable experiences".

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