Reigate on Ice 2016 Launches In Style

Reigate on Ice 2016 officially launched today (Thursday, December 1) with the town’s mayor cutting the ribbon, a routine from local figure skater Annabel Ashwick and a visit from Father Christmas.

After the formalities, students from Reigate Priory School took to the ice in what is now part of a tradition whereby organisers invite local schools to come down and enjoy some skating time.

The fourth Reigate on Ice promises to be bigger and better than before with a larger rink and more activities to keep you entertained and more refreshments to keep you fuelled as you take to the ice.

Director of The Matthews Organisation behind the event, Nicola Matthews, said: “We’re really excited to open our doors. It’s been around five weeks of setting-up and a week of freezing the ice but we’re here and ready for the skaters of Reigate and beyond!”

If you’re looking for a wintery wonderland look no further, besides the rink there is entertainment from magicians to singers, fairground rides and new for 2016 Santa’s Grotto running throughout.

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“Entrance to the tent is free with something for the whole family – you only need to pay for activities. We’ve got lots of food and drink to cater for all tastes too” Nicola added.

The rink which can take up to 150 skaters at a time will be the centre piece of Reigate Christmas Fayre when there will be a free fireworks display, The Shane Richie Band and much more.

A sense of community is important to Nicola and her family who make up the bulk of the staff at the event and this is something which was touched upon by the town’s mayor speaking at the event.

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Reigate and Banstead Mayor, Cllr. David Powell, said: “This is great for the local community, especially the children. It’s splendid for the town and will bring people into the park and surrounding town.’

“It feels so Christmassy and opening as it does on 1st December it feels special. This is my first Christmas event of the year and it’s stunning and so welcoming to all.”

Cllr. Powell who is no stranger to taking on challenges as he’s already the oldest person in the world to jump from 30,000 feet says he and his wife hope to take to the ice themselves soon.

Among those on the ice in the coming weeks will be figure skater Annabel Ashwick who performed the events opening routine but who will be taking on marshalling duties in the coming weeks.

Annabel, 15, who has competed at national competitions, wowed the guests at the opening with an outstanding routine to the soundtrack Somewhere Only We Know covered by Lily Allen.

As well as marshalling the Reigate event the student from Outwood will be performing in Cinderella on Ice in Guildford this Christmas.

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