The Maldon Christmas Fayre will make a triumphant return on Thursday, 25 November, after it was cancelled last year due to Covid-19 restrictions.

After Maldon's town mayor, Councillor David Ogg, has turned on the Christmas lights at 4.30pm on the High Street, there will be entertainment and hospitality from local businesses for residents to enjoy.

Town councillor Michael Pearlman, who is the chairman of the committee organising the event, said: "This year, all the stops are being pulled out to give the residents of Maldon district and our visitors an evening to remember.

"Maldon wants this year's event to be very special so that everyone enjoys the evening by getting into the spirit of Christmas.

"We hope that all the High Street shops will take this opportunity to stay open for late evening shopping.

"Have a stall outside your premises and enter into the spirit of the event."

Locals will be able to browse a reduced number of artisan stalls at the festival, which will run from 4pm to 9pm.

Prizes will be awarded for the best small shop window display, the best large shop or retail area window display, the best salon display and the best-dressed restaurant or bar.

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Besides the Christmas lights, there will be a Punch and Judy show, reindeers, a Father Christmas grotto and more entertainment along the High Street.

There will be a free shuttle bus into the town centre from Morrisons.