At a cost of $7.50 per session, Sunday morning saw a steady stream of customers anxious to try on the skates and cut a graceful figure on the ice.

Or at least to make strides towards getting there. Most clung to the sides and circled safely. But a few were bordering on expert.

The rink comes courtesy of a $20,000 grant from the state government for new events.

Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall said when the money was announced: “Last year’s inaugural festival was a huge success,” Mr Marshall said. “At the time, I told the organising council I would be more than happy to support getting some funding to really expand it.

“They've been able to use the money to put in an ice skating rink this year, which will attract a lot of people, especially younger people, but also those who may not have tried ice skating before. It will add to the festival.”

The main Chill N Glen winter fair will be held on Saturday July 21, with more than 50 market stalls selling food from around the world and local gourmet produce.

Drink makers will sell a range of alcoholic beverages in the Town Hall, from beer to spirits to alcoholic ginger beer.

There will be activities and games for children, art and craft exhibitions, vintage cars and hot rods, guided history tours, fashion parades, street entertainment, and music and dance.

See also: Ice skating comes to Glen Innes