THE Cheese and Grain has been awarded a £31,000 grant to run an ice rink throughout December in the car park next to the popular venue. While there is still much detail to work out, organisers hope that it will be open on the night of the Christmas Extravaganza, when the town’s Christmas lights are switched on. A “Frost Fair” next to the rink will run for the last two weeks of December.
The Cheese and Grain was awarded £26,000 through Somerset County Council’s Somerset visitor economy scheme and they were given a further £6,000 by Mendip District Council to help make the ice rink a reality.
Cheese and Grain director, Steve Macarthur said, “Ice rinks are great fun, and it will be a fantastic Christmas treat for the whole town during the festive period. The issue is that ice rinks are eye-wateringly expensive to set up and run and normally not thought to be financially viable for smaller towns, but these generous grants may make it possible. However, sponsorships from local companies will still be needed to help keep ticket prices affordable.
“The town’s retail sector, including shops, cafes, pubs, hotels, taxi firms and street markets will all benefit from the increased footfall this project will bring to the town during the festive period, especially given the multiple economic problems that are looming. But just as important is that we all really need to have some fun to help get through these tough times.”
The rink will be available to local schools at a reduced rate and Christmas party packages will be available. Steve also thanked officials at Frome Town Council for their support in securing the grant and with consulting local businesses. However, Steve says, there are still some formal permissions to secure and practical issues to overcome.
Organisers say that the venue’s large number of solar panels will help reduce the rink’s carbon footprint. There will be more information soon on the venue’s website at www.cheeseandgrain.com
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