MORE than 100 people bought tickets to Colchestester’s Winter Wonderland ice rink within three hours of it getting the goahead.

It might be 143 days until Christmas, but festive excitement is already building around the event, at Castle Park.

Colchester Council’s planning committee has approved plans for stalls, entertainment and an ice rink in Upper Castle Park, from November 27 until January 3.

As soon as applicant Ben Payne left Colchester Town Hall, he sent the event’s website live – and had the first booking within ten minutes.

After three hours, more than 100 people had booked.

He said: “It’s all gone a bit bonkers on social media and e-mail.”

Jo Hayes, councillor for the Castle ward, raised concerns about disturbance for residents living near the park.

However, the committee granted approval with a few minor conditions.

Mr Payne said: “There were some concerns and discussion, but as a whole, councillors were supportive.

“We’ve been working on this for a long time.

“I’ve been in meetings where it’s looked like it wasn’t going to happen.

“To have finally got to this point is really good and really positive.

“It is almost like a relief and a weight off my shoulders.

“It is about bringing the whole town together to make this a town project.”

Entry to the event is free, but visitors will have to pay to go ice skating and use the funfair rides.

The ice rink, including skate hire, will cost £11.50 for adults, £8.50 for children and £4 for underfives.

People booking before October 1 can get cheaper tickets – £9.50 for adults, £7.50 for children and £3 for under-fives.

The event will be open between 10am and 10pm every day apart from Sundays, when it will close at 9pm.

Mr Payne and his team are still looking for stallholders and businesses to get involved, and still have sponsorship opportunities available.

Annie Feltham, councillor responsible for leisure at Colchester Council, said: “I’m delighted to welcome Winter Wonderland to Colchester.

“We want to encourage as many people as possible to enjoy Castle Park all year round and this is a great event for the festival holidays.”

For more information, visit colchestericerink.co.uk