BID to bring Winter Wonderland to Kirkwall next week

Time to get your skates on! Kirkwall BID is bringing an ice rink to town, and much more merriment besides.

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas everywhere you go in Orkney, as businesses show off their festive fare in the run-up to Yuletide.

In Kirkwall, it’s hoped that BID’s Winter Wonderland event will draw more folk to the street, with fun, food, shopping and skating all set to bring an added sparkle to the town centre.

“From Thursday, November 18 to Monday, November 22, Kirkwall BID will be hosting a free skating rink and other festive attractions right here in the town centre,” said Kirkwall BID chairman, Duncan McLean.

“It’s a dark and dreich time of year, so let BID bring some special sparkle, light and joy to the streets with a wonderful array of entertainments.

“Next to the ice rink in Bridge Street car park, a rustic Alpine chalet will serve takeaway food and drinks with a skiing-lodge theme: bratwurst, churros, mulled (non-alcoholic) cider and hot chocolate.

“It’ll warm the cockles of your heart!”

Meanwhile, the Saturday and Sunday are set to bring not only warmth to your heart, but to your stomach too!

“Local food and drink producers will showcase their wares at a street market on Saturday, November 20 and Sunday, November 21,” Mr McLean added.

“Two special guests will be walking our streets — we can’t reveal their identity yet, but let’s just say they are warm-hearted but chilly sisters, you might say ‘frozen’. Other attractions will be revealed as we get closer to the weekend.

“And throughout the town, shops, pubs and cafés will be bursting with festive treats, special offers, and of course Christmas gifts and goodies.”

Kirkwall BID is keen to emphasise that all activities have been planned and will be carried out with careful attention to the latest COVID advice from NHS Orkney. Everything BID organises over the weekend will take place outdoors, and safe distancing and frequent cleaning will be the order of the day.

For more information on Winter Wonderland you can visit the Kirkwall BID Facebook page.