CHRISTMAS cheer will come to Halstead when the town’s annual fair and festive light switch on takes place tomorrow.

The fair, organised by Halstead Town Team, gets underway at 9am.

A live Nativity will be at the fair for the first time, while real animals will be brought along for the day by Tiggy’s Barn in Greenstead Green.

These will be accompanied by smaller animals, also provided by Tiggy’s Barn.

School, community and group choirs will provide musical entertainment while people enjoy browsing the market, crafts and charity stalls.

There will be a raffle and retailers throughout the town will have special offers.

Frederick Douglas Performing Arts Academy and the Elizabeth School of Dance will both perform at Weavers Court.

Santa will arrive at the East Anglia’s Children Hospice shop from 10am and children will also be able to post their letters to Father Christmas at the Santa station.

A festive trail for children will also take place with forms available from the town team headquarters at The Centre or from marshals on the day.

There will also be a selfie contest for teenagers with a festive photo booth at Lobb’s Cycles courtesy of Shooting Stars Booth Photography.

Mayor Shirley Diver will conduct the lights switch on at 4.30pm, accompanied by children from each Halstead primary school in Halstead Public Gardens on Trinity Street.

The annual torchlight procession and town carol service will follow on December 7.

It will start at the top of the High Street with torches handed out from 6.15pm for 7pm.

There will first be the blessing of the crib around the Christmas tree at Market Hill.

Then a procession led by the Salvation Army Band will walk down High Street to Bridge Street and Trinity Street to the Public Gardens.

The town carol service will take place in the Public Gardens.

Flaming torches, or glow-sticks for younger people, will be handed out.

The carol service is conducted by Churches Together at 7.30pm.