Christmas is already getting its skates on at Planters in Bretby, with the return of its popular ice rink for another year.
The rink, now in its third year, has become a big hit with the public and has now returned to the garden centre again.
The ice facility, which officially opened on Saturday, November 11, is made of real ice through a lengthy process which takes organisers five days to complete.
Ice rink manager Adam Cresswell, 28, said: “The first stage is to put the platform down for everything to sit on. Then we have to lay the pipes down to pump the liquid on and freeze it.
“We aim to have between 7cm and 9cm of ice, so we have to fill it up and refreeze some if we have had a busy few days. We really want to keep the ice in as good a condition as possible.
“We’ve had regular skaters come to visit and they have said our ice is really good to skate on.”
The rink can cater for up to 60 people at one time and stewards are on hand to offer their expertise on skating and make sure everyone is safe.
The attraction is expected to be as popular as ever, with families already showing an interest in trying their hand at skating.
Mr Cresswell said: “It’s not even December yet and we have already drummed up a lot of interest. We’ve had quite a lot of families already come down to have a go on the ice.
“We’re really excited to see what else is in store for the rink in the lead up to Christmas.”
And it’s not just the ice rink attracting the crowds to the garden centre as Spotty and Blitzie the reindeer are on hand to put a smile on visitors’ faces. Fans of the furry creatures can visit the pair in their pen and watch their reindeer antics at close hand until they leave on December 23.
There will also be a festive craft fair on Saturday, November 18 and Sunday, November 19, where visitors can get ahead with their Christmas shopping with treats made by local people on show.
