A winter wonderland will be coming to town this year with an ice rink taking centre stage.

The purpose-built rink will be opened in Forbury Gardens in the shadow of the Maiwand Lion and will be part of the Christmas experience for shoppers picking out their gifts.

The open air rink, measuring 30m by 12m, can have up to 120 skaters at any one time.

Other attractions for shoppers are a 50m zip wire, a Santa’s Grotto and Christmas rides as well as a street market reminiscent of Germany’s famous markets, with carol singers and local bands to get people in the mood.

Steve Webster of Your Event Organisers, is setting up the market that will be held in the Town Hall from November 27 for 11 days and is still looking for craft stallholders to set up in the chalet-style huts.

He said: “We have a lot of food and drink stalls and we would love to have more people who make craft items.

“We will be a place of respite to find nourishment and search for that elusive present and something that is not on the high street.”

Culture leader, Councillor Paul Gittings, said late-night opening was set to begin in mid- November with the big festive lights switch-on on November 15.

He said: “The ice rink and the other attractions at Forbury Gardens and throughout the town centre will make this year’s town centre festivities a real treat for residents and visitors alike.

“A trip to Reading’s Winter on Ice promises to be a fun, family-friendly night out with plenty to do see and do.”

The ice rink is set to open on Tuesday, December 9 until January 4 between 10am and 10pm closing just for Christmas Day,

The ticket price of £9 for adults and £7.50 for children, or £30 for a family ticket, includes skate hire and an hour on the ice.