“Whenever the Glen Innes community decides to put on a show or event of some sort, the community rallies and it is all hands on deck,” Mr Marshall told the Legislative Assembly during a speech last week.

“That is exactly the attitude that made the inaugural Chill N Glen Festival, held a few weekends ago, so successful.”

The Chill N Glen festival, organised on a weekend that experiences frequent snowfall, showcased the many appealing features of a colder climate. With attractions evoking the feel of a European Christmas, Mr Marshall said there were plenty of opportunities for local businesses to get on board.

“There were very few community organisations that did not get caught up in the excitement of being involved in this winter escapade,” Mr Marshall said.

“The festival opened on Saturday morning with the ringing bells of the traditional town crier, and it was not long before the main street was filled with visitors and locals enjoying the novelty and wares of 47 European Christmas craft stalls.”

Through presenting the Chill N Glen Festival’s success to Parliament, Mr Marshall ensured the event would be permanently recorded on Hansard, the official records of the NSW Parliament.

“This first festival was a tremendous success, highlighting the incredible initiative of the Glen Innes community,” Mr Marshall said today.

“Attracting several thousand travellers into the town, I have no doubt that the festival will continue to grow and offer a unique experience to visitors. We’ll be able to look at the Hansard in years to come – and remember Chill N Glen’s first promising year.”