Stafford's Victoria Park to be transformed into winter wonderland with real ice rink
It's part of plans to make it 'a Christmas to remember'
Last updated 29th Sep 2021
The award-winning Victoria Park in Stafford will be transformed into a winter wonderland with a real ice rink and Bavarian style market just some of the attractions on offer.
The team behind the Great British Drive in at Sandon, who run Alberts Café in the popular park, will be rolling out festive cheer, alongside Stafford Borough Council, to make it a Christmas to remember.
The festive extravaganza is due to open on Saturday 27 November.
Situated in the heart of Stafford the inaugural Christmas in the Park will feature:
• Ice Rink - get your skates on and head to the Ice Rink, that’s right, real ice in the park to skate on and under cover too, with themed event nights and private booking available.
• The Polar Bar - providing a range of festive cocktails, mulled wine, steins of beer and deliciously, indulgent hot chocolate.
• Digbeth Dining Club - will be providing the finest street food around.
• Santa’s Grotto - offers everyone a chance to meet with Father Christmas. Bring your Christmas wish-list and help to spread Christmas cheer.
• Staffordshire’s very own Bavarian-style market - exhibiting and celebrating local produce including Chocolatiers, Christmas decorations and other festive favourites.
• You can finish up your action-packed day by making a homemade decoration or sitting down for a wreath making masterclass
• Listen to live music on the bandstand, from brass bands to choirs
It will open its gates on Saturday 27 November, with pre-sale tickets for the ice rink available at the https://alberts.cafe website now.
The event is a partnership between the borough council and The Great British Experience Company, the team behind Alberts and The Great British Drive In, with the full support of the National Heritage Lottery Fund.
Ed Myhill, Organiser and Director of The Great British Experience Company, says “The park is a gift for all of us in Stafford and we always strive to make the park a place for all. We have worked hard to ensure the winter event caters for everyone, offering the best value possible.”
He goes on to say: “We have a whole host of attractions, and events that promise to create an unforgettable experience for the whole family. Our ice rink can accommodate 80 people at any one time and is the real star of the show, with themed evenings including family favourites, disco and kids’ sessions all enclosed in its own venue means we don’t have to worry about the beautiful English weather and can enjoy our own Winter Wonderland right here in Stafford.”
Councillor Carolyn Trowbridge, Cabinet Member for Leisure at the borough council said: “This is going to be fantastic. What a brilliant way to help celebrate the Christmas period with a winter wonderland brought to the heart of our county town in the wonderful Victoria Park. I am sure residents and visitors to the town will be thrilled to hear we will have a real ice rink – and planned themed event nights - alongside a Bavarian style market and festive bar with all the winter favourites – and of course a traditional Santa’s grotto.
“All of this would have definitely been on my wish list for Christmas in Stafford.”
She added: “Victoria Park received a beautiful restoration last year – and this year we are seeing more and more people enjoying the park especially with all the great events that have been taking place. So, I hope everyone will make sure they have the dates of our winter wonderland in their diary and book early to visit because we want to make Christmas 2021 an amazing experience for all our residents and visitors to the park.”
Christmas at the Park is open every day, except Christmas Day, until 2 January. Follow Alberts on Facebook and Instagram with much more information to follow.