Ice skating

Published: November 15, 2021 - Last updated 17 July 2024 - Please note: This blog was first published more than a year ago.
Denise Alterskye

Just as the clocks went back and the cooler days crept in to remind us that Winter has arrived so did preparations for the Winter Ice Skating Season to begin in Orchard Square at Gloucester Quays.

The construction set up for the Rink at present resembles a building site with temporary structures for the generators and ice machinery. The platform for the base of the Rink is another assembly masterpiece. When complete this will be a fantastic spectacle for the Festive Season.

I love the clever slogan on a banner when approaching the Ice Rink in the Square that reads 'The Quay to a Wonderful Christmas'

Christmas Markets at Gloucester Quays

Further preparation for the coming weeks are the ever popular Christmas Markets that are scheduled to be held every weekend for the run-up to Christmas. I can almost smell the mulled wine and festive foods that are usually on offer from the many stalls. Amazingly the chilly evenings are not felt in the magic and excitement of what this fabulous Festive Event offers.

The Stall holders have an array of goodies associated with the time of year such as Christmas Tree decorations, Craft gifts, Berry & Spice flavoured alcohol beverages with smells reminiscent of Christmas pudding. There is always the hope of finding something special or unique to place under the tree. Someone mentioned to me how important it was to support small business enterprises as they too felt the knock on effects of 2020. It is also extra special to receive a gift that has been hand crafted.

The Mall and Restaurants at Gloucester Quays

Nothing says the Festive Season more than the beautifully dressed and decorated Malls. Gloucester Quays is no exception.

With two large illuminated white Christmas trees and festive lights twinkling their festive welcome, the magic, mood and feeling of Christmas is definitely 'in the air'. The wonderful belief of December being the Season to be Merry is beyond a doubt. There is a sense of warmth and nostalgia. Happy memories are recaptured with all of the sights, smells and atmosphere of this time of the year..

Soon the Shops will be playing their Christmas music selection and displaying their best gift selection. The delightful look of excitement and anticipation on the faces of children is pure joy. We can't help it - we all love Christmas! Carol Singers will be performing outside favourite spots. The local Restaurants have begun to release their Christmas Menus as well as to attract year end functions.

Festive traditions

Outside of the Quays the magnificent Gloucester Cathedral has their programme of events for December available online with Carol Services and Midnight Mass always being much anticipated events to attend.

After the disappointment of Christmas 2020 I get the sense that people are determined to make the most of December 2021 and all the special activities associated with Christmas. Family gatherings being extra special this year as is the anticipation the traders have for a bumper season of Sales.

Whatever your plans are, visit Gloucester Quays this Season!