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Northampton Rink Dazzles 55,000 Visitors
13 Jan
Summary
- An ice rink attracted 55,000 visitors to Northampton's town centre.
- Footfall increased by 19.3% at the nearby Grosvenor Shopping Centre.
- The ice rink broke even, funded by leisure budgets and sponsorships.
Christmas events, highlighted by a substantial ice rink in Market Square, attracted around 55,000 people to Northampton's town centre from December 4 to January 4. This marked the town's first large-scale rink, featuring installations similar to those for major television productions and London landmarks.
The economic impact was notable, with a 19.3% rise in footfall at the Grosvenor Shopping Centre compared to the previous year. Ticket and bar sales generated £122,000, covering all costs without burdening core council services, thanks to a dedicated leisure budget and external funding.
Officials reported a strong sense of community energy and buzz around the Market Square. Visitors traveled from across the UK, including Scotland, indicating the event's wide appeal. Plans are now underway for a more extensive program of future events in the square.
