Family And Communities Brought Together With Promise Of Sweet Treats

You might not have known it but just over a week ago ice cream vans and parlours around the country brought sweet relief to communities by taking part in a free ice cream give away. This formed part of the commemorations which were put on to celebrate national Ice Cream Day. This is an initiative which is being led by the Ice Cream Alliance to help shine a light on the passion creativity and community spirit that help to symbolise the country's vast ice cream industry. The event was put on not just to celebrate the event nationally but also to highlight all the good work that ice cream vans and parlours around the country do to help bring communities together and maintain connections between family and friends.

Amongst the different locations where the free give away took place was Manchester where Rob Scappaticci's of Benito Scappaticci Ltd  set up in St Ann's Square where he was visited by the Lord Mayor of Manchester, Carmine Grimshaw, along with the Lady Mayoress Elaine Grimshaw.

In the near by area, children from the Royal Manchester Children's hospital received a surprise visit from Wesley Scappaticci's van of SEIC Limited. Over £800 was raised through voluntary donations during the day, crucial funds that will go towards new equipment for the hospital.

Rahiem Iqbal of North West Whippy delivered joy to Derian House Children's Hospice & Wigan & Leigh Hospice, treating both staff and young patients to free ice creams. Meanwhile, in the Isle of Man, Davison's Ice Cream Parlour joined the celebration by handing out free ice cream to their local community.

Catherine McNeil, Director of Operations of Ice Cream Alliance says, "I'm proud to work alongside the talented ice cream artisans in our network. Our members show real passion and love for their industry, supporting one another through challenging times and they continue to be a vital part of their respective communities.

She added, "On National Ice Cream Day, we celebrate both the makers and the public who help keep this joyful part of British culture alive."

The story of how ice cream developed is an interesting one as the treat began it’s life being an ancient iced treat. While the exact origin is debated, early forms existed in ancient China and Persia, and the process of freezing liquids using ice and salt was documented in the 13th century. The dessert evolved through various cultures, with the first documented instance in England appearing at a royal banquet in 1671. Mass production and commercialization in the 19th and 20th centuries transformed ice cream into the widely enjoyed treat it is now.

Catherine McNeil, Director of Operations of Ice Cream Alliance says. “I’m proud to work alongside the talented ice cream artisans in our network. Our members show real passion and love for their industry, supporting one another through challenging times and they continue to be a vital part of their respective communities. On National Ice Cream Day, we celebrate both the makers and the public who help keep this joyful part of British culture alive.”

If you’d like to find out more about National Ice Cream Day, please search for NATIONAL ICE CREAM DAY | Third Sunday in July – National Day Calendar

Consumers were also able to receive a free ice cream dessert at many high street chains and locations who also took part in the event. This helped to add more emphasis on the information that they were trying to highlight. Examples of these included:

Friendly’s

Customers joined the Friendly's Fan Club Rewards program to score a free cone or dish of ice cream. But for those who weren't rewards members, there’s still a way to celebrate the holiday on a budget. Stop by to redeem a $.90 scoop in a cone or dish and eat it in-store or take it to-go.

DoorDash x Ben & Jerry’s

Speaking of apps, DoorDash and Ben & Jerry’s have teamed up to help you celebrate this National Ice Cream Day. DashPass members can redeem $5 off a grocery or convenience order of two pints of the fan-favorite ice cream.

Dippin’ Dots

Customers scored a free mini cup of Dippin’ Dots during a two-hour window at participating locations. The first 100 customers in line received their free Dippin’ Dots in a special souvenir take home cup.