RIP Leicester Christmas ice rink, because this year we’re apparently getting illuminated igloos instead.
The city is giving up on skates this Christmas after the city’s usual ice rink dramatically dropped out of the festive calendar, and local traders nearby have given the last-minute replacement a seriously mixed reception.
One trader warned it “could be brilliant, but it could be dreadful”, while describing Leicester as a “poundshop city” where it’s already tough enough to make a living.
From the first weekend in December, the square will be decked out with lights, Christmas trees, and illuminated igloos with cosy seating.
The 33-foot high Ferris wheel will return as usual.
Jim Rowley, from Bar Sandwich, a cafe on the square, said in recent years he had relied on the business of builders from the ice rink and parents who had taken their kids for a day out to tide him over the winter.
He said: “It’s lovely to hear that it’s going to be used. But a winter wonderland is so hard to pull together well in this short time. I’m not convinced it will quite have the same effect as the ice rink.
“Leicester is already a hard place to make a living in. It’s a poundshop city. This could be brilliant, but it could be dreadful.”
Further up the High Street, Dominic Gomersall, director of Lumbers jewellers, agreed the replacement could be great, but noted the devil is in the detail.
He said: “We’re lucky on the high street this year. There’s a number of new units which means we’re well accommodated for activities still.
“But this replacement needs to be a positive thing for local businesses, not in competition with them.
“For example, the organizers behind the Summer on the Square World Cup fan zone this summer were not necessarily Leicester-based.
“We need to make sure our city and county prospers together rather than fuelling the pockets of businesses further afield.
“But I think it still will brighten up the city centre, and if they make it beautiful, hopefully it will replicate that Christmas cheer.”
Leader of the opposition at the authority, Councillor Hemant Rae Bhatia (Conservative), felt the council should have never been in this situation in the first place.
He said: “The winter garden may have its place, but it should never have been a case of either-or.
“The city council should have planned better to retain the popular Christmas ice rink while developing other festive attractions.
“While there is nothing wrong with introducing new festive attractions, they should complement popular events rather than replace them without properly considering what local people want.
“The failure to make timely arrangements and conduct proper negotiations with the supplier is a missed opportunity for our residents, our businesses and the city centre economy.
“The council needs to explain how and why this happened and what it intends to do to bring it back next Christmas.”
News of the winter garden came as part of a wider announcement about the council’s plans for the city this Christmas.
The lights switch-on will take place on November 18 from 5pm, and will be hosted by BBC radio Leicester’s Ady Dayman from the Roxy Ballroom balcony.
The council promises performances, musicians, festive stalls and funfair rides for the occasion.
Street entertainment includes Helio the polar bear, eight foot tall stilt walkers, and elves on hoverboards.
City Mayor Peter Soulsby said: “Leicester’s Christmas switch is an important and much-loved date in the city’s festival calendar. And although this year’s festivities will look a bit different without the ice rink in Jubilee Square, we’re excited to try something new.
“Of course, the opening of our fantastic new Market Square next year will provide a perfect location for a new festive attraction and will help ensure that Christmas celebrations in the city centre are even bigger and better.”
Cllr Vi Dempster, assistant city mayor for leisure and culture, said: “The Christmas Lights Switch-On is always one of the highlights of the year, bringing families and friends together to enjoy a fantastic, festive evening together.
“We’re looking forward to welcoming people for a special evening of seasonal cheer as we begin the countdown to Christmas in Leicester. It’s the perfect start to the festive season.”
By Caitlin James (Local Democracy Reporter)m and Laura Wilde (extra gubbins)
