In the lead up to Christmas, we have set up a festive free Gingerbread Trail across Braintree town centre.
Starting on Saturday 20th November on the same day as the annual Christmas light switch on event, the Gingerbread Trail lets families explore the town centre to find the 27 gingerbread characters that have been hidden in windows of shops and businesses.
The trail, which will run until Monday 20th December, is free to enter and although is aimed at younger children and families, can be enjoyed by people of all ages.
Participants will be able to pick up a free trail map at Braintree Town Hall, Braintree Library or be available to download online by visiting www.visitbraintreedistrict.co.uk/whats-on/gingerbreadtrail.
Once they have completed the trail, shoppers can return them at any time during the trail open period to Braintree Town Hall, Braintree Library or Causeway House. They will then receive a certificate of thanks from Father Christmas, a sticker and be entered into a prize draw to win a gingerbread character, knitted by Dolphin WI, or festive hamper in time for Christmas, with the prizes donated by local businesses.
Councillor Tom Cunningham, Cabinet Member for Economic Growth at Braintree District Council, said: “We’re pleased to be bringing back another trail adventure this year – a free and fun thing for the families to enjoy right up until Christmas and give visitors an opportunity to explore the town centre and discover some of our fantastic local businesses.”
Councillor Frankie Ricci, Cabinet Member for Communities at Braintree District Council, said: “The gingerbread trail is an added reason to visit Braintree this Christmas, enjoy a festive wander and experience all it has to offer.”
We are encouraging people to share their photos of them completing the trail and exploring the town on social media using the hashtag #BraintreeGingerbreadTrail or tagging in @VisitBraintreeDistrict on Instagram and Facebook.