Festive ice rink could be heading to town
It has been around a decade since Paisley had a permanent ice rink — and the good news is that the skating could be coming back for Christmas.
Business regeneration group Paisley First is hoping to create a winter wonderland experience in the town centre, complete with a rink.
For four weeks, you will be able to take to the ice and also enjoy: a panoramic Star Flyer ride browse a continental-style market, and
Wander round a free festive Nutcracker Trail, with 10 nutcracker kings spread throughout the town, from Saturday, December 2 until Saturday, December 16.
Paisley First has teamed up with M& D Events for the festive extravaganza, with the aim of giving Buddies a great experience right on their doorstep and attracting new visitors to town.
A planning application is currently being lodged with Renfrewshire Council.
If Santa comes early and the ambitious project gets approval, the WonderFest will take place in the town centre from November 24 until Christmas Eve.
Paisley First chairman Ian Henderson said: “This will be a great event to showcase everything that Paisley has to offer during the festive season.
“There is so much to see and do in the town already and this will help cement the town’s reputation as a visitor destination.
“We will also be running a Christmas retail campaign.
“We believe the continental style market will really complement the existing Christmas shopping available in the town and we are also hoping some of the local traders will get involved too.”
The town had a skating club at Lochfield Skating Pond in the late 1800s, and from the 1940s East Lane was the place to go to hit the ice.
Then, from the late 90s and early 90s, the Lagoon Leisure Centre was the venue for skating, curling and ice hockey until a mammoth repair bill for the facility meant it had to be shut around 10 years ago.
M&D’s events director, Douglas Taylor, said: “Paisley already has a rich cultural scene and this type of Christmas event is an ideal addition to the town.
“We are working with Paisley First to ensure this event will be a great attraction for the local community — who will be eligible for discounted rates — as well as visitors from further afield.”
The Nutcracker Trail will see visitors collect special booklets and complete the trail for a chance to win a special prize.
To mark the end of the Nutcracker Trail, there will also be a children’s carol concert in the town centre on Saturday, December 16.
Advance booking for WinterFest can be made at www.mdsevents. co.uk