THOUSANDS of people enjoyed a village Christmas fair whilst raising thousands of pounds.
The return of the Tiptree Christmas Fayre in Church Road saw 9000 people attend to celebrate in the village.
Committee members Sandra Redgewell, Tina Barrand, Jen Butler, Heidi Pettet and Jackie Dinsdale organised the event for residents to enjoy.
Tiptree volunteers raised £398.70 and the Tiptree Community Fridge raised £1555.63, which will go towards equipment to support residents struggling with the cost of living.
There were 105 stalls set up in the centre of Tiptree, all hosted by businesses based in the area.
Many businesses thanked the committee for organising the event after having lots of success with the support from the public.
The Tiptree Biscuit Box sold out after two hours and other businesses including SugarStripes, Thomas Cookie Co and the Tipsy Grey thanked visitors for their support.
Sandra Redgewell, the treasurer of the Tiptree Christmas Fayre said: “The police estimated in the height of the fayre around 7pm we had 9000 people attend.
“We had 105 stalls up and down Church Road, with some in the Community Centre and St Lukes Hall.
“We had live entertainment all night on our stage in the Iceland car park which ranged from schools to local bands, artists and choirs and more in the church.
“There were food and drink stalls, arts and crafts, face painters, specialist and beauty products, rides for children plus Santa provided by Kelvedon Rotary Club.
“The cost of the event was £12,500 and we raised that and more on the night.
“Any residue monies left after all bills are paid will be donated to some community groups in Tiptree, we will decide who, when everything is paid and settled.
“It was a lot of very hard work by the committee and it took over our lives for the last 6 months.
READ MORE>>> Essex shopping village to feature on Celebrity Antiques Road Trip this week
“We are not a charity, we are a group of women who wanted to put on a Christmas event for the village and it just snowballs.”
The committee has thanked Darren Bewers and the Essex 4x4 Support team.
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 The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.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