FESTIVE fun will return to town next weekend when Halstead’s annual Christmas fair and lights switch on takes place.

The popular event is shaping up to be the best yet with plenty on offer for people of all ages.

The future of the day was up in the air when Halstead Town Team officially disbanded in May but Halstead and District Chamber of Trade stepped in and pledged its support for the festivities.

The fair will begin at 10am on Saturday, November 25 with stalls across the town centre.

Entertainment from schools, dance groups and choirs will take place in Weavers Court, on Bridge Street and at the top of the High Street.

Also performing will be vintage singers outside the Post Office and a circus act by the fountain at the top of the High Street.

As part of the festivities, St Andrew’s Church will be holding a Christmas tree festival, whilst Santa Claus will be in his grotto at the East Anglia Children’s Hospice on the High Street throughout the day.

More than 50 stall holders selling goods from crafts and potential presents to food are expected to take part, with items on sale on Market Hill, Bridge Street and Weavers Court.

There will also be a Christmas Trail, which will give competitors the chance to win £100.

Speaking back in September, Tracy Holdgate, chairman of the chamber, told the Gazette: “We are organising a trail where you have to visit the whole of the town in order to compete it, we want people to see the whole of Halstead.

“It is a real community project and everybody this year seems to want to get involved.”

The close of the fayre is to be followed by the town’s Christmas light switch on, at Halstead Public Gardens, at 4.30pm.

Afterwards there is a meet and greet event at the Holy Trinity Church, where people will be invited to enjoy a glass of mulled wine and a mince pie whilst admiring the decorations made by local schools.