£15K TO GIVE ICE RINK A NAME

Sponsorship packages are being offered to Lincoln businesses to help recoup the cost of bringing an ice skating rink back to the city. The rink, in City Square, attracted more than 20,000 visitors in 2006 but was cancelled last year due to rising costs. It was replaced instead by a big wheel and then two fairground rides. This year the rink will return to the same location between November 27 and January 4 and the Lincoln Business Improvement Group is determined it will break even. It is offering four sponsoring options, ranging from £500 for the basic silver gilt package up to £15,000 for the platinum package, to help attract extra funds. In return for their cash sponsors will receive benefits such as advertising space, free tickets or a drinks reception at the rink. The platinum sponsor will even get the chance to name the rink. Lincoln Big events manager Michael Armstrong said sponsors would be attracted to the rink by the high numbers expected to use it. "We had more than 20,000 people use the ice rink last time and we want to make it a real success of it this year," he said. "I think the ice rink is key for the city. It is a tremendous thing that people thoroughly enjoy." Barry Reeves, chairman of the Sincil Street and Cornhill Traders' Association, said the sponsorship packages would only interest big companies. "I shan't be considering it because of the cost," he said. "I can't see too much of a benefit to the traders round the Cornhill area.." To find out what other traders think about the sponsorship deals see Monday's Lincolnshire Echo. Article originally featured on www.thisislincolnshire.co.uk