The businesses that have so far signed up to have stalls at the Maldon Christmas Festival have been revealed, with more still to join.

The festival is set to take place on Maldon High Street on Thursday 25 November, with a range of entertainment and live music for attendees.

English Spirit Distillery, Mighty Oak, Events Factor, Banquet Inn Bars, Ginny's Cocktail Lounge and The Tipsy Grey will all be providing drinks for residents - including mulled wine and local beers.

A range of food will also be on offer from various stalls, including The Cheese & Pie Man, Candy Stop, Lucy Locket's, McLaren's Christmas Pudding, The German Sausage House, Ansells Butchers, Cookies & Chocolate Kisses, Tesco, Baked by Yas, The Treat Shop and A & J Sweets.

There will even be a barbeque outside the Sark Restaurant, homemade dog treats provided by Bertie's Biscuits and hot chestnuts from Maldon Rotary Club.

Councillor Michael Pearlman, the chairman of this year's festival, said that organisers have "pulled out all the stops this year" to make the day special.

He added: "Besides the late night opening of the High Street shops, there will also be over 40 stalls offering a wide variety of crafts, food and drink."

Tranquil Crafts Maldon and Heart of Craft will be selling arts and crafts, while Farleigh Hospice will be offering handmade items to customers.

To add to the festive spirit, the Maldon and Heybridge Horticultural Society, Amazing Mrs Claus Workshop, Christmas Shop and Beloved Winter Crafts will be selling decorations.

Maldon Salt Company, the RNLI, Lucky Mummy, Borough Carpets, Laura Young Art Design, Bra Consultancy, Crystal Shack, Serendipity Gift Shop and Leather Bescu will also have various items available for customers to buy.

Leah Harvey will be selling flowers, while Emma Wiffen will be offering eco-luxe fragrances for the home.

Children will also be able to enjoy a carousel and tea cup ride, provided by P J Ellis.

Certificates will be awarded for the best large shop retail area display, small shop display, salon display and restaurant or bar.

The festival will begin at 4pm and end at 9pm.

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

This year, the road closure will only extend from West Square to Wantz Road.

To find out more about the festival, you can read our previous article via the link here.

You can also follow the Maldon Christmas Festival Facebook page using the link here.