Skating rink arrives at Parade

Shrewsbury’s first outdoor ice rink is set to be unveiled at a special festive event at the town’s Parade shopping arcade.

The rink will be set up in front of the historic Georgian building in St Mary’s Place at a ‘Christmas Carol’ weekend on November 21 and 22nd.

“We are very excited about the arrival of the ice rink, which should look spectacular in front of our imposing Grade II listed premises,” said Phil Freeman, owner of The Parade, which is home to around 25 independent shops on two floors.

“This is a unique event for Shrewsbury and the rink is generating a great deal of interest already, with many people keen to be the first to get their skates on and enjoy themselves.

“The whole weekend is set to be really special and will be based on the traditions of an English Christmas.

“It will be a lot of fun for families and everyone here is really looking forward to starting off the festive season with this celebration.”

As well as all The Parade’s individual and quirky shops being open on both days, with traders dressed in authentic Victorian costumes loaned by Blists Hill Museum, there will be outdoor food and drink stands, competitions and craft workshops.

The Christmas Carol theme was chosen as scenes from the 1984 movie of the same name were filmed at The Parade and it will be screened inside the shopping centre during the event.

Shrewsbury’s Town Crier, Martin Wood, will launch the weekend by walking through the town on Friday, November 20th, officially announcing the activities.