The final touches are being made to Braintree’s Christmas event, taking place in the town centre on Saturday, 19 November – which will conclude with carol signing around the lit tree.
We have organised a full day of festivities to bring the community together, support small businesses and celebrate the start of the Christmas build up.
Christmas Braintree Street Market - The market will run from 9am to 5.30pm and will see our regular market traders set up throughout the town, with crafters, makers, and street food traders from our Street Market intermingled. This is your chance to shop early, buy handmade or locally sourced gifts and support small, local businesses. Food will be an eclectic mix of world cuisine with a special sprinkling of Christmas delicacies including mulled wine.
The Lions Club of Braintree will have a charity stall and are expecting guest appearances from Father Christmas at 1.30pm and again at 3.30pm.
Snowman trail – This year’s family festive trail is snowman themed and launches at 10am on the day.
Families can pick up a map from the Town Hall, Braintree District Museum or the District Council offices at Causeway House (during regular opening hours) and seek out all of the hand-crafted snowmen kindly knitted by members of the WI.
The trail runs right through the Christmas period and is free of charge.
George Yard Shopping Centre – The centre will be hosting some of the street market traders as well as organising a mini market in Unit 2B and food court area within the bandstand. They will have their very own light switch on at 4.30pm, illuminating the centre for Christmas.
Braintree Town Hall - The town hall will be open from 1pm to 5pm and will offer a host of activities including mini family portrait sessions with Trebor Photography, charity stalls, Little Yellow Hedgehogs Ceramic Painting and children’s craft activities.
Stage entertainment - Live music, dancing and carols will take place between 11am and 5.30pm, with Essex Radio duo Martin and Su hosting.
Local groups have signed up to take part, we are very excited to host a local schools and community choirs.
At 5pm Braintree District Council’s Chairman, Cllr Andrew Hensman, will take to the stage and make a festive speech before the town is lit up.
Visitors will be invited to join in with some traditional carols before the event draws to a close.
Braintree Museum - Braintree Museum will be open with free admission from 10am to 4pm and they will celebrating the grand opening of their latest exhibition: The Wonderful World of Ladybird Book Artists.
This colourful nostalgic exhibition includes activities for the whole family to enjoy.
During the Christmas open day there will be crafts throughout the day including make-your-own Christmas crackers, cards, and decorations. The museum shop will be open with a selection of Christmas decorations and unique gifts and don’t forget the recently-opened café for delicious winter treats and warm drinks.
Fountain End – The celebration continues at the Fountain End of town where the businesses will have stage entertainment, finishing with a switch on of their own illuminations.
Cllr Tom Cunningham, Deputy Leader of Braintree District Council and Cabinet Member for Economic Growth, said: “Christmas is a time for the community to come together. By hosting this event we hope people from all over the district will visit and share in the celebrations.
“Christmas will look very different this year and we know many will be scaling back but it is important we support local traders within our market towns wherever possible and keep money within our local economy.”