A POP-UP ice rink is coming to Colchester in a bid to spread some pre-Christmas cheer.

Art gallery Firstsite in Lewis Gardens is having the rink as part of its festive fun activity sessions.

The artificially surfaced attraction will be alongside a string of stalls in the build up to Christmas between December 4 and December 23.

Firstsite director Sally Shaw said the project was the perfect way to spread some festive cheer after a difficult year for everyone who has been dealing with the impact of coronavirus.

She said: “At Firstsite we are determined that we will always find a Covid-19 safe and creative solution to any situation – and this festive season is no exception.

“Firstsite is always first for fun, festivities, food and the feelgood factor, and an ice rink is a brilliant way to get seasonal celebrations under way, to have fun with family and friends, enjoy some exercise and take a break from the shopping.”

It is the first time ice skating will be on offer in the town centre for five years.

The Colchester Winter Wonderland project in Castle Park featured an ice rink, but it had to be abandoned after 25 days after experiencing difficulties.

Unseasonally high temperatures and strong winds led to the ice melting constantly and skating sessions being called off.

Each skating session at Firstsite will be 45 minutes, priced at £12 for adults and £6 for youngsters under 14.

Classic festive films will also be screened on the gallery’s cinema with visitors also able to fill up on treats and light meals at the cafe.

Bosses insist they will ensure all Government safety guidelines relating to coronavirus will be in place.

To find out more and to book tickets, visit firstsite.uk/festive-fun-ice-skating.

Gallery bosses are hoping to reopen on December 3 when lockdown ends with people also able to visit the exhibitions for free.

At the moment, the gallery continues to run online with a programme bringing art to everyone’s homes with a selection of events, films and features.

This includes the Super Black Festival, celebrating black African and Caribbean history and culture, as well as the Art Cave, a fun, free art show that is released on their website at 10am each Saturday morning, and Art is Where the Home is, a free-to-download, online activity pack.