Why it Won't be Ice Cold in Ealing (or Kew) This Christmas

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Traditional skating rinks have been frozen out

Two popular skating venues in Ealing and Kew Gardens won't be happening this Christmas because of the recession.

Haven Green has been the site of Ealing's rink for the last two years and many are disappointed to discover that it won't be up and running for the 2009 festive season.

However Ealing Business Improvement District (BID) is planning a special Christmas market instead.

Helen Taylor of BID said:

'' The ice rink won't be going ahead this year due to lack of funding/sponsors. We decided to put an event there and thought a market featuring local traders would be good because it ties in with our Shop Local campaign encouraging people to shop locally. There will also be facepainting and a Santa's Grotto and a chance to win an electric car!''

Kew Gardens has also given their traditional (and once popular) ice rink the cold shoulder.

Imogen Dent told us:

''After five successful years of having a winter Ice Rink at Kew Gardens, and with over 300,000 people having enjoyed the experience, we have decided not to have the event in 2009. Over the years, skaters at the Garden have slowly decreased making the ice rink financially unsustainable and with 2010 marking the International year of biodiversity we made the decision to focus our resources on developing a strong visitor programme for that year.''

There are still some ice rinks in central London locations.

Decisions regarding the future viability of Ealing and Kew rinks haven't yet been made.

 

 

November 23rd, 2009