Maldon Town Council have announced the details of this year's Christmas Lights Switch-On event.

The event will take place on Thursday, November 28 from 5pm to 9pm, including the Christmas Lights switch on at 6pm.

The event will bring the festive joy to Maldon High Street, with local businesses offering street stalls and indoor craft markets.

There will be entertainment from local performers, the traditional Santa's Grotto, and plenty of hot food and refreshments on offer by local vendors.

This news comes after an announcement in May that this year's Christmas Fayre would be a more "modest" event than previous years, following the departure of two key members from the organising committee.

In line with the assurances made in May, Maldon Town Council will be prioritising partnerships with Maldon businesses in this year's event.

This will include the town centre shops expanding and having stalls outside their premises, with opportunities for other traders from within the Maldon District, community groups and local charities to participate. 

There will be indoor spaces available for some stalls, in the Town Hall and the Swan Hotel Bar & Grill's, Cygnet Room.

In previous years, the Christmas Fayre and Light Switch-On has proved very popular with residents. 

The Mayor of Maldon, Councillor Andrew Lay, said "Maldon town council are engaging with local businesses in the Town to bring an event that will showcase the hard work and dedication of our established retailers and smaller start-up businesses across Maldon.

"We will also look to support community groups and charities. 

"Thank you to the volunteers andgroups who have already stepped forward offering to help out on the night.

"Of course, we are still seeking more to make the event a big success. 

"I am looking forward to this community event, supporting the hardworking retail, hospitality, and cottage industries of this wonderful town."

Those interested in hosting a stall are asked to complete an online expression of interest form by Sunday 15th September 2024. 

You can find out more here.

For further information, or if you would like to volunteer to help out, please email: [email protected] or call 01621 857373.