Braintree’s Community Christmas Event, held last Saturday 19 November, brought the crowds into Braintree.
Braintree’s Community Christmas Event, held last Saturday 19 November, brought the crowds into Braintree as the town got into the festive spirit to enjoy the street market, on-stage entertainment, and the lighting of the Christmas tree.
The all-day event, hosted by Braintree District Council, filled the town centre with more than 80 market stalls for people to browse alongside live festive entertainment hosted by Martin and Su from Radio Essex, circus performers roaming throughout the town and a plethora of activities to enjoy.
Braintree Town Hall hosted craft sessions, circus skills workshops, a charity indoor market, face painting and family photo shoots whilst Braintree Museum celebrated the launch of its new exhibition The Wonderful World of Ladybird Book Artists with an open day and Christmas crafts.
George Yard hosted food stalls under their bandstand and had Father Christmas turn on their impressive light display, whilst the fountain end of the High Street provided live music entertainment, stalls and fireworks for their switch on.
Visitors were also able to take part in the first day of the free snowman trail, which is running until Monday 19 December, an activity where families can explore the town centre to find snowmen characters in shop windows – aiming to help boost footfall to local businesses.
Councillor Tom Cunningham, Cabinet Member for Economic Growth at Braintree District Council said: “It was fantastic to see the town bustling for the Community Christmas Event, there was a brilliant atmosphere and support for our market stall holders and businesses throughout the town and despite the weather was a busy and successful event!”
Two more Christmas street markets are lined up for Saturday 3 December and Saturday 17 December where a variety of stallholders will be across the town centre offering everything from local produce, artisan foods, drinks, Christmas decorations and gifts.
Upcoming Christmas Light Switch on events will also be taking place in Halstead on Saturday 26 November and Witham on Saturday 3 December, organised by their town councils.