Weston-super-Mare’s Tropicana will be transformed into an ice rink every winter for the next five years after tens of thousands enjoyed the event’s debut in 2017, as the venue ‘goes from strength to strength’.

Weston Mercury: No caption needed.No caption needed. (Image: Archant)

Icescape was first held at the Trop last year, when more than 120,000 people took to the ice, prompting North Somerset Council to agree a five-year deal with the organisers to make the town ‘festive ice skating capital of the region for years to come’.

Skaters will be able to enjoy the festivities at the former lido from October 19 to January 6, and revellers can expect to indulge a ‘spectacular winter wonderland’ boasting tasty treats and family-friendly entertainment like Santa’s grotto.

Organisers hope to tap into the Christmas party market this year, too, offering skating, food and entertainment packages, and there is also a new bar called The Lodge.

Icescape director Mark Smith is ‘very pleased’ the ice rink will return to Weston.

Weston Mercury: No caption needed.No caption needed. (Image: Archant)

He said: “Last winter was a great success and we are looking forward to putting on another excellent event for the people of Weston and the South West to enjoy.”

Since internationally-renowned artist Banksy turned the Tropicana into the Dismaland exhibit in 2015, the council has attempted to capitalise on its legacy and hosts a number of pop-up events – like the Funland amusement park – there each year.

North Somerset is also bidding for £1.1million from the Government’s Coastal Communities Fund to create a 9,000-capacity arena at the Trop, in the hope of luring more events to the town.

Felicity Baker, the authority’s executive member for leisure and tourism, said: “We are delighted to be welcoming back Icescape to the Tropicana.

Weston Mercury: No caption needed.No caption needed. (Image: Archant)

“Last year more than 120,000 visitors flocked through the doors, travelling from all over the South West.

“I’m happy to have secured a five-year contract with the organisers, meaning Weston will be the festive ice skating capital of the region for years to come.

“The rebirth of the Tropicana as an all-year-round entertainment and events venue is a key part of Weston’s regeneration. Bookings are strong and, with major attractions like Icescape returning, the venue continues to go from strength to strength.”