WestQuay ice rink in Southampton will not return in 2021

Doubt shrouded whether the popular attraction would return to WestQuay this Christmas.

It was cancelled last year due to Covid, and in previous years has been announced as early as September.

But all was kept quiet this year, and after weeks of questioning by the Echo, organisers have revealed the ice rink will not take place due to "pressure on resources, staff and materials".

Simon Smith, director of THIS Event Co, which runs the rink, said: "It is with regret that we confirm that SKATE, our prestigious annual outdoor winter ice rink at WestQuay, will not take place in 2021.

"Pressure on resources, staff and materials alongside the ongoing risks of Covid-19 have prompted THIS Event Co. to reduce our operations this Winter, and as such our ice rink in Southampton will not be taking place.

"Our closest ice rink will be in Bournemouth. We apologies to our loyal customers in Southampton, for any disappointment caused, and hope to be back in 2022."

The Echo had been speaking with city councillor Satvir Kaur before the announcement was made.

Satvir Kaur

She said: "“As Southampton slowly gets back to having it’s full events calendar, I hope we don’t miss out this Christmas.

"We’ve already been told that they’ll be no flying Santa which children came from far and wide to see, so it would be hugely disappointing not to have the ice rink come back too.

"I know other cities have managed to host theirs in a Covid safe way. Southampton a few years ago was voted one of the most Christmasist in the UK, let’s hope we don’t go backwards."