A free ice-skating rink will take centre stage in Basildon this Christmas.
The annual festivities will kick off on Saturday 18 November with a day of celebrations for the whole family to enjoy.
The ice-skating rink in Town Square, which offers free sessions lasting 20 minutes, will officially launch at 10am. Ice-skates are provided and penguin aids will be available for young children to use as support.
Real reindeer will make an appearance alongside Jack Frost on stilts and a balloon making elf. Face painting will also be on offer and Basildon Market stalls will be in the town centre on the day.
Live entertainment in East Square starts at 3pm with BBC Essex presenters Steve Scruton and Ian Wyatt taking to the stage, followed by talented local singers and choirs.
At 5pm the 2017 Christmas lights will go on for the first time with a helping hand from special guest Father Christmas, Mayor of Basildon, Cllr David Harrison, and the cast of Aladdin, which is launching at the Towngate Theatre later this month.
Cllr Alan Ball, chairman of Basildon Council’s environment and regeneration committee, said: “This year our Christmas celebrations are much more than just a light switch-on. The festivities are set to run and run thanks to the addition of a free ice-skating rink, which has been kindly booked by Basildon Market. It is bound to be a hit with the whole family.
“My thanks go to our partners for helping us to put together an impressive schedule of entertainment for 18 November and beyond. This event highlights the effectiveness of working together and I invite residents and visitors alike to join us as we celebrate the start of the festive season.”
The Christmas celebration event is hosted by Basildon Council in partnership with Basildon Town Centre Management and Eastgate Shopping Centre, with support from Basildon Market and BBC Essex, and sponsored by Redrow Homes.
A Christmas food court will be open between 9.30am and 5.30pm daily from 18 November to early January.
The ice-skating rink will remain open until Christmas Eve, Sunday 24 December. Normal operating hours are 10am-4pm.
