The children’s favourite – who was dressed in a stunning costume from the Disney movie Frozen – will be one of the star attractions when the Illuminate Bathurst Winter Festival kicks off tomorrow.

She will be on hand in the kids’ zone to have her photo taken with her adoring fans and will no doubt be swamped on this special occasion as part of the region’s bicentenary celebrations.

Thousands of people are expected to gather in the central business district to take in the atmosphere of the winter wonderland that has been created by Bathurst Regional Council.

While there will be fun and games on the ice rink, it’s also a chance to experience another Illuminate Bathurst display where major heritage landmarks are lit up with digital images telling the city’s story.

There will also be food stalls and a variety of entertainment, but it’s the chance to go ice skating on the temporary rink in Kings Parade that is proving the hottest ticket in town.

While places for skating over the weekend have been booked out, there are still plenty of chances to book a spot for a 45-minute session at $5 each.

Sessions will continue daily before concluding next Sunday, July 12. 

Emily Rogers, 24, from the Princess Party Bathurst business, relishes playing the role of the Snow Queen.

“I dress up for children’s parties and will come as any princess they want, but it really is Elsa from Frozen they all want to see,” Emily said.

“Bathurst Regional Council asked Elsa to be a special feature guest as part of the Winter Festival in Kings Parade and I am so honoured. 

“I’ll be sitting on an ice throne and the kids can come along and have their photograph taken with me on Saturday from 4-9pm. Come and say hello.”

Emily hopes to be able to have a skate with mayor Gary Rush and is crossing her fingers she doesn’t come a cropper in front of the big crowd.

“We only started Princess Party Bathurst three months ago but it’s already going gangbusters,” she said.

“There’s been a party for us to attend nearly every weekend.

“The kids are obsessed with Elsa. I went to a party at the miniature trains near the tennis centre recently. It was for 25 children, but by the time it was over there was a crowd of more than 100 people there. 

“I was supposed to stay for a couple of hours but ended up staying for six.”