The weather is colder and the mornings are darker; I see shoppers wrapped up in woolly hats and scarves on the pavements around Cheltenham, which means the festive season is here!

This is a magical time in our town, as thousands of twinkling lights illuminate our streets and shopfronts, while local choirs, bands and dance troupes prepare to entertain us during the countdown to Christmas.

But it’s not just music we can expect; our wonderful theatres offer traditional Christmas pantomimes to delight. This year you can see Aladdin at the Everyman, or Jack and the Beanstalk at the Cheltenham Playhouse, so there will be no shortage of fun (oh, no there won’t!) for all ages.

If you believe the festive season is incomplete without swapping your shoes for skates, you will be pleased to hear that we’re welcoming our Ice Rink back to Imperial Gardens. This year, the rink is covered, which means you won’t have to worry about the rain (or, dare I say, snow?) spoiling your festive fun. Accessibility for everyone is important to us, and wheelchair users are welcome to attend our sessions with a personal assistant who skates free of charge.

There’s never been a better time to get your skates on

On offer are special bookings for students and schools, while younger skaters will love the Ice Princess Party Sessions. Meanwhile, if you’re looking for a more relaxed time as you glide across the ice, the sensory sessions might be for you.

You can book your skating tickets or get more information online (cheltenhamiceskating.uk) or in person at the box office, and with drinks and snacks available rink-side there’s never been a better time to get your skates on.

Last year the ice rink attracted 31,000 people to our town and brought in 1.6 million pounds to our local economy. As Council Leader, I am pleased to see people from far and wide enjoying what Cheltenham has to offer this December, and I look forward to making this festive period the most successful and memorable yet for our residents, businesses and visitors.