Ice rink at arc Shopping Centre, in Bury St Edmunds, raises thousands for Gatehouse food bank charity

A festive ice rink in a Bury St Edmunds shopping centre has raised thousands for a food bank charity.

Today, arc Shopping Centre said the Charter Square ice rink – a partnership of arc along with Our Bury St Edmunds BID, Bury St Edmunds Town Council and West Suffolk Council Levelling Up Fund – had raised £2,500 for its charity of the year, Gatehouse.

The ice rink, which was open from December 14-January 3, was free to the public, with donations encouraged.

An ‘incredible’ turnout from participants of all ages enjoyed the festive skating sessions.

The rink was a joint endeavour funded by four partners: including arc Shopping Centre, Our Bury St Edmunds BID, Bury Town Council and West Suffolk Council Levelling Up Fund.

Allan Hassell, arc centre manager, thanked the partnerships for their ‘generous support in bringing this marvellous attraction to the town’.

“Not only were we able to raise an incredible sum for Gatehouse, we were able to provide the town with a free, family-friendly activity at a time of year when everyone is feeling the pressure,” he said.

Through a combination of private hire, card transaction, and cash donations, the ice rink raised £2,500 for Gatehouse Home Store and Food Bank, which helps those who are most vulnerable.

Amanda Bloomfield, of Gatehouse, said: “I'd like to thank all those who made donations to Gatehouse. The ice rink was a lovely family activity.

“The donations will go towards our services to the community, helping to relieve poverty through practical and emotional support, providing a safe space for people to meet, make friends and reduce isolation.

“I’d also like to thank the team at arc for all its fund-raising in 2023, making a significant difference to those we help."

Mark Cordell, at Our Bury St Edmunds BID, said: "Bringing a free-to-use ice rink to the town for the festive period was the result of positive partnership work in order to attract people to the town centre but allowing them to spend their money with our businesses, rather than on entertainment, during this cost of living crisis.

“I was delighted with the response and the positive comments we received.

“It was lovely to see so many people using the rink, particularly young families. The fact that £2,500 was raised for the Gatehouse Charity was a fabulous bonus."