MALDON Town Council has announced revealed the date and plans for the highly-anticipated Christmas lights switch-on event this year. 

The special festive event, which will be supporting various businesses, will take place at the end of November to kick off the festive season.

Maldon High Street will have a festive atmosphere with street stalls and indoor craft markets.

There will be entertainment from performers, the traditional Santa’s Grotto, a selection of stalls selling local wares, indoor craft markets selling bespoke items along as well as hot food and refreshments on offer.

This year, Maldon Town Council has said it is "prioritising" the selection of stalls hosted by Maldon businesses.

This will include the town centre shops expanding and having stalls outside their premises, with opportunities for other traders from within the Maldon district, community groups and local charities to participate.

There will be indoor spaces available for some stalls in the town hall and the Swan Hotel Bar and Grill’s Cygnet Room.

Maldon mayor Andrew Lay said: “Maldon Town Council is engaging with businesses in the town to bring an event that will showcase the hard work and dedication of our established retailers and smaller start-up businesses across Maldon.

“We will also look to support community groups and charities.

“Thank you to the volunteers and groups who have already stepped forward offering to help out on the night.

"Of course, we are still seeking more to make the event a big success.

"I am looking forward to this community event, supporting the hardworking retail, hospitality, and cottage industries of this wonderful town.”

Maldon Town Council also said it is "looking forward" to making this year’s Christmas lights switch-on event a "memorable one for the entire community".

Those interested in hosting a stall are asked to complete an online form by Sunday, September 15.

The Maldon Christmas Lights Switch-On is taking place on Thursday, November 28 from 5pm to 9pm, with the switch on itself taking place at 6pm.

To find out more visit maldontowncouncil.gov.uk/christmas.

For further information, or if you would like to volunteer to help out, email administration@maldontowncouncil.gov.uk or call 01621 857373.