CROWDS gathered for festive fun as Halstead’s annual Christmas Fair made its return once again.

Organisers of this year’s event said the fair was “the busiest yet”.

Halstead Gazette: A selfie with Santa at the FairA selfie with Santa at the Fair (Image: Public)

Visitors were treated to a huge variety of market stalls, as well as live music, entertainment, and famous faces courtesy of the Essex Cosplayers.

A spokesman said: “We had 65 stallholders attend, which is the most we’ve ever had.

Halstead Gazette: There were 65 stallholders at the eventThere were 65 stallholders at the event (Image: Public)

“The League of Friends of St Andrew's Church, Halstead Christmas Tree Festival and the Halstead Public Library had record attendances, which is just wonderful.

“And we had rather a long queue for Santa’s Grotto.”

Halstead Gazette: The Essex Cosplayers delighted visitors in dress-upThe Essex Cosplayers delighted visitors in dress-up (Image: Public)

The organisers thanked to AJ Sounds, Leaders Estate Agents for sponsoring and providing the estate agent boards promoting the Christmas Fair, the Bull Inn for sponsoring Santa’s Grotto and the Co-op and Toni, who works at the Bull Inn, for their help on the day.

Thanks were also given to Daniel Robinson and Sons Funeral Directors for providing two gazebos, Dale Hire for supplying the generator, Halstead Town Council and staff members as well as all the stallholders and Santa himself.

Halstead Gazette: One of the stalls at the Halstead Christmas FairOne of the stalls at the Halstead Christmas Fair (Image: Public)

The spokesman added: “We hope you all enjoyed the day as much as we did.

“There’s one thing I have learned since I have been involved with the Christmas Fair - we can always rely on Halstead’s and the surrounding area's wonderful community spirit to support local events.

“We wouldn't be able to do this without you, so thank you very much.

Halstead Gazette: Christmas dress-up was very apparent on the dayChristmas dress-up was very apparent on the day (Image: Public)

“Thanks to everyone who attended.

"Wishing you all a fantastic Christmas and happy and healthy New Year."

The fair is staged by Linda Smith, Heather Pittuck, Dave Rosoman and Andy Munday.

Next year's Halstead Summer Fair will take place on Saturday, August 3, from 10am to 4pm in the Public Gardens.