A POPULAR attraction will be returning for a one-off extravaganza in Colchester.
The iconic rollerskating venue, Rollerworld, which closed its Moorside site on November 30, will be taking over Charter Hall this weekend on April 22.
The 11-hour event will inlcude a DJ with a backstop of smoke and lasers, a Demon Xtreme shop and refreshments and feature familiar faces from previous stewarding staff.
Heartbroken owners Jason and Anne Khan closed the beloved Rollerworld after 32 years amid a bitter rent dispute.
Landlord Petchey Holdings is reported to have wanted to increase the rent on the building from £100,000 per year to £250,000.
Bosses at the company previously told the Gazette they considered the terms for the new lease to be 'below the market rate'.
The pair, who acquired the rink in 2018, said it is a “bittersweet” feeling to be giving Colchester residents the chance to get their skates on once more.
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Anne said: "We feel a little bit nervous as we want it to be busy with people back in a happy place but ultimately it is not Rollerworld."
Jason added: "We are doing everything we can to make it as close to Rollerworld as we can.
“It has been heartwarming to see how much support we have had. There was a massive demand for something like this.
“I am excited but it is bittersweet because it is not Rollerworld.”
The owners of the attraction have now revealed they will consider similar events to bring back Rollerworld.
“People think it was just a skating rink but it was a massive community for a lot of people,” said Jason.
“For mental and physical health it was just unmatched. Rollerskating gave people a reason to get away from the TV and get moving.”
Tickets for the weekend event can be found at bit.ly/42YgTjp.
It will run from 12pm to 6pm before an over-14s event kicks off from 7pm until 10.45pm.
Entry and skating is £10 while an early bird offer runs until Sunday.
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