A VILLAGE'S festive fair has grown into "something very special" - according to its organisers - after months of planning.
Bradwell Village Christmas Fair organisers started out hoping to get around 20 stallholders.
But with the word quickly spreading around the community the event now has a whopping 60 stalls.
St Thomas’ church bells will ring out to mark the beginning of the fair this Saturday.
There are stalls inside and outside from 2pm at the Village Hall, The King’s Head and The Cricketers – who are also hosting a magical Santa’s Grotto.
With a variety of crafts, eco goods, drinks stalls and so much more, visitors will be spoilt for choice. There will also be a pop-up Café.
Read more: Free travel announced ahead of upcoming festive fair
The entertainment includes handbell ringers, St Cedds children singing, people in traditional costume and the Dengie Women Sing.
Free travel has also been taken care of with The Santa Express set to pick up visitors in various areas in the Dengie and take them safely home again - thanks to Fords Coaches of Althorne.
Another big name in the area - Bradwell Marina - has sponsored the fair.
Despite the fair's finish time at 5pm, the day doesn't end there.
The Festival of Lights will see homes in the village lit up and the King’s Head will host a Curry and Quiz Night at 7pm.
Carol Hutton, Bradwell-on-Sea WI member, said: "This whole event has only been made possible with the invaluable help of the whole community, so come along and support all the hard work it’ll be worth it, we are waiting to welcome you all."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here