Ice skating in the East End this winter will be bigger and better, organisers promised yesterday.

The St George’s Skates rink, which was launched last year, will be enlarged for 2017 and a party tent added to the set-up.

Cher Przelomski, of Planning Factory Bermuda, which runs the attraction, said: “What we learnt is that the community at large loved SGS as a gathering space, and that led us to ask what more we could do to use the rink in other ways to build community.

“Our expanded offerings this year will support that idea.”

In addition, the rink in Somers Gardens will host theme nights and a “golden hour” for skaters aged over 55, as well as a selection of vendors, including Ashley’s Lemonade.

Ms Przelomski added that the opening weekend on November 18 and 19 would be used to support the fight against diabetes, with $5 per skater donated to the Bermuda Diabetes Association’s bid to establish a resource centre in Hamilton.

Debbie Jones, chairwoman of the diabetes charity, said: “The BDA is thrilled to partner with St George’s Skates, as our mission is to get Bermuda moving. The money raised from this fundraiser will go towards the important services provided by the BDA and raising awareness of healthy lifestyles in Bermuda.”

Ms Przelomski said an estimated 25,000 people used the rink last year. Quinell Francis, Mayor of St George’s, said St George’s Skates was a perfect fit with other holiday events, including the annual National Trust Walk and New Year’s Eve party in King’s Square.

Charles Gosling, Mayor of Hamilton, said a diabetes resource centre would be a benefit to the city and the island as a whole.

He also announced that, in recognition of Diabetes Awareness Month, City Hall would be lit in blue next month.

Fuel firm Rubis and Bermuda Gas have renewed sponsorship for the event.

Graham Redford, Rubis managing director, said: “We received so many positive comments from the public last year that we wanted to ensure we could help bring this innovative and fun experience back to St George’s.

“We also have a longstanding partnership with the BDA, so it is a natural fit for us to be able to help them fulfil one of their strategic visions.”

St George’s Skates will begin on November 18 and continue into the new year. Tickets can be purchased online at ptix.bm.