An ice-skating rink will be among some of the attractions coming to Watford town centre after work revamping The Parade finishes later this year.

Last night Watford Borough Council unveiled a programme of events planned for the area by the pond, which are designed to take advantage of the more spacious layout following the £4.3million redesign.

The programme will start with The Big Launch on June 20 and 21 and coincide with the start of the town’s fourth Imagine Watford festival.

Other events planned for the area include fun runs, a winter skating rink, the Diwali festival outside in The Parade for the first time, outdoor movies, and a summer dance extravaganza.

Dorothy Thornhill, Elected Mayor of Watford said: "Following the Parade improvements, we will deliver a fantastic programme of events, using The Parade in the way that it was designed. I want everyone to look forward to the monthly events and for families to enjoy themselves together. Working with the Palace Theatre, and local and national partners, we know we’ll have top quality events that will deliver the fun factor too."

Watford Observer:

Work has been taking place on the refurbishment of The Parade since Spring last year. The scheme has seen the area down to the junction with Clarendon Road relayed with new paving and new streetlighting installed.

The scheme has also seen the pond redesigned with a bridge and steps down to the north end. The northern end of The Parade, between the pond and Rickmansworth Road, has been decluttered and will be the focus of the new programmed of events.

Events currently planned for the area are: a big dance performance in conjunction with Watford Palace theatre, a big screen showing of classic movies, live music, outdoor fashion parade, Diwali on the Parade, festive ice-skating, a lights show and a food fair.