It’s probably the closest thing to ice we’ve seen all winter – and festive fun seekers took full advantage of its arrival in a seaside town this weekend.

From amateur to expert, the synthetic rink drew crowds of skaters to the Great Eastern Square forecourt in Hamilton Road, Felixstowe.

The East of England Co-operative Society lent out the space and agreed sponsorship for the attraction, organised by Felixstowe Town Council at the weekend, and set to continue until Wednesday.

Several Suffolk Coastal councillors allocated part of their individual “enabling communities budget” towards the venture, with £1,000 coming from Felixstowe’s Youth Forum, and remaining funding being made up by the town council.

One or two local leaders were even seen taking tentative steps onto the rink – alongside which, activities included rides for smaller children and a stall serving hot food and drinks.

The Salvation Army Band also played a few numbers on the day, enjoyed by town mayor Doreen Savage, who said: “It was absolutely fabulous. The rink was packed all afternoon and evening on Saturday, and when I passed on Sunday it was packed again with young people and parents having a whale of a time.

“I’m absolutely thrilled with the response and sincerely hope it might become an annual event. It’s just what Felixstowe needs.

“A huge thank you is due to the Co-op for their sponsorship and letting us use their space. It has been a real partnership effort, with money coming from the Co-op and local district councillors’ budgets.

“A further £1,000 came from Felixstowe’s Youth Forum, which is great because they will be getting lots of enjoyment from it. Any left over funding was made up by the town council.”

Members of the public will be able to use the rink for free between noon and 8pm until Wednesday.