We have announced the date for Braintree’s Christmas Light switch-on event including the popular street market, live entertainment and children’s activities for Saturday 20th November.
Braintree’s Christmas Lights switch-on event is back next month on Saturday 20th November, kicking off the start of the exciting Christmas celebrations in the district. Radio Essex will be hosting the festive entertainment for the day, with live music from local singers and school choirs, all leading up to the big switch on at 5.30pm which will take place in Market Place outside Tesco’s.
George Yard Shopping Centre will light up with their switch on at 5pm and live music and entertainment will take place down the Fountain end of the High Street from 1pm-6pm organised by The Boars Head *.
The popular street market will be making a return with over 50+ stalls across the town centre where visitors will be able to pick up lots of goodies from handmade jewellery to Christmas decorations and more. And for when you have worked up an appetite and a thirst after all the excitement and shopping, there will be plenty of stalls selling gourmet street food and festive drinks. Two more Christmas street market dates have also been confirmed for Saturday 4th December and Saturday 18th December.
Children’s rides and street performers will also be there providing extra fun for those who want to make the most of their day. There will also be several events over the course of the day across the town, including free entry to Braintree Museum with their space exhibition, Christmas children activities, a drinks bar, family photo shoots and face painting at Braintree Town Hall, as well as festive entertainment and a chance to meet Christmas characters in George Yard Shopping Centre.
Due to Covid-19 restrictions, last year’s events were marked virtually with online content. Previous light switch on events have seen thousands of families and friends attend every year to get into the festive spirit, with local businesses seeing a boost in their trade on the day.
Cllr Tom Cunningham, Cabinet Member for Economic Growth at Braintree District Council, said: “We’re really pleased we are able to welcome back our annual Braintree Christmas light switch which will be a day full of fun entertainment and activities for the family and a chance to shop and support local with our fantastic businesses, to help them bounce back from the impacts of COVID. We hope to see lots of people in the town centre to join in with the festive celebrations.”
Cllr Frankie Ricci, Cabinet Member for Communities at Braintree District Council, said: “After missing out last year due to Covid-19, this year people can feel the extra special Christmas atmosphere and hopefully come together to celebrate as a community and enjoy everything that is on offer.”
People can keep up to date on the latest news for the event and festive activities in Braintree via the Visit Braintree District website and Facebook and Instagram pages.
Visitors are encouraged to follow the latest government COVID-19 guidance when visiting the event. This currently includes wearing a face covering in crowded spaces where people may come into contact with others they don’t normally meet, getting tested before attending and self-isolating if required or are symptomatic. Event staff and COVID ambassadors will be on hand at the event to help, assist and support visitors and market traders will have relevant COVID-19 measures in place.
All details can be found online at the Visit Braintree District website.