Free ice skating and festive family fun in Burgess Hill this Christmas

PR2480/SB/MF - 22/11/2022

Mid Sussex District Council is working with Burgess Hill Town Council to bring free ice skating and a free family fun day to Burgess Hill town centre this Christmas as part of a range of ‘Ho-Ho Holiday Fun’ activities.

On Saturday 3 December a giant marquee will house two sessions of Christmas activities for families @RH15 9NN. From 10am until 12 noon, local firm Scrapless will help everyone get ready for a sustainable Christmas by demonstrating how to make salt dough decorations and The Kiln will be providing craft activities.

There will be the chance to exchange old toys and decorations for something different as part of a Swap Shop and little ones can enjoy story time with Burgess Hill Library or songs and rhymes with Music Bus.

In the afternoon from 1.30pm until 3.30pm children will be able to enjoy a round of crazy golf and a puppet show or marvel at the stilt walker and giant bubble maker. Youngsters that want to try some circus skills themselves can join the creative and trained Circus performers at Poi Passion and learn to juggle, hula-hoop, tightrope walk, and balance on stilts. Music and DJ lessons will be provided by DJ Neel and Sussex Clubs for Young people will be providing arts and crafts activities.

A synthetic ice rink will be in the Martlets Shopping Centre from Friday 16 to Sunday 18 December to provide people of all ages and abilities the opportunity to skate for free.

Everything has been taken care of, with a dedicated changing area, ice skates in all sizes to borrow, seating for spectators and trained staff on hand to ensure everyone is safe.

The rink, which is 13 metres square and capable of accommodating up to 45 skaters at a time. The area will be decorated with Christmas lights and Christmas music will play in the background to create a festive atmosphere for everyone visiting the town.

Councillor Stephen Hillier, Cabinet Member for Economic Growth and Net Zero said:

“Christmas is a wonderful time for people to come together and Burgess Hill is a great place to meet up with friends and family this year.

“We want Burgess Hill town centre to be buzzing for our local traders this Christmas so please make sure you pop into town and show them your support while having fun with the family.

“We’ve got a whole host of free activities for local families to enjoy, from ice skating to crazy golf, so there really is something for everyone at our Ho Ho Holidays events this Christmas.”

The programme has been put together by Mid Sussex District Council, supported by Burgess Hill Town Council and New River REIT.

From 23 December 2022 to 1 January 2023 Benson’s Fun Fair will be visiting the site, offering discounted rides in the town centre.  In addition, during December MSDC are offering a flat fee of £1.50 to park on Saturdays (Sundays are free) in some of the longstay car parks in Burgess Hill.

ENDS