Could Corby ice rink become a permanent fixture?

The boss of Corby ice rink has said that the popular festive attraction might one day become a permanent fixture in the town.

The rink, which visited over the festive period and stayed until February, was a 'huge success', according to town centre managers who are looking to repeat it again this year.

Located in the Anne Street car park, the covered facility proved a great crowd puller and was so popular that operator Ice Leisure Group extended its stay by six weeks. The rink was even featured in The Guardian as one of the top ten Christmas ice rinks in Europe.

Corby Town Shopping & Willow Place Director Dan Pickard said: “The ice rink was a great addition to our Christmas entertainment programme. We saw record numbers wishing to visit Santa in his grotto and the Victorian Travelling Market and associated entertainment were also well received.

"The market traders were so pleased with the response from Corby shoppers that they have already booked to return this year.”

Ice Leisure Group Director Robert Cook said: “Our ice-rink in Corby was a huge success with thousands of skaters taking to the ice, and we’d like to thank everyone for their support.

“Corby Town Shopping and Willow Place is becoming an increasingly popular retail and leisure destination within the region, and we hope to be a part of this growth again in the near future. We’re happy to confirm that all options available to us in the town, including a permanent presence, are actively being explored.”

Denisa Urbanova, Ice Leisure Group Operations Director, added: “During our time in Corby we were able to employ 15 local people, and utilise the services of several businesses to not only provide a key leisure offering, but also a boost to the local economy.

“Leisure and entertainment are now key components of any town centre or retail venue offer, and it’s great to see what a positive and inspiring vision the Corby town centre management team have for its future.”