PREPARATIONS are underway for the much-loved Braintree community Christmas event and light switch on.
The annual event will bring community groups, entertainers and traders together to kick-start the festive season in the town centre.
Braintree Council will be hosting a festive edition of the popular Braintree Street Market in addition to stage performances including local choirs, pop artists and dance groups compared by Radio Essex duo Martin and Su during the event.
The Christmas tree will be lit, and carols will be sung around it to mark the start of the Christmas season.
The team behind the event would like to involve charities and community groups and are now inviting organisations to run stalls to help them raise funds and showcase the vital work they do in the district.
Groups could host a hook-a-duck stall, sell raffle tickets or run a tombola, but should act fast as space is limited.
The council has a small supply of pop-up gazebos and tables available on a first-come-first-served basis for those who do not have their own.
Highlights of the Christmas Street Market will include mulled wine, Bratwurst sausages and other traditional food to enjoy within our food court area complete with seating, and festive gifts will be on sale so shoppers can get ahead with their shopping.
Braintree’s weekly market will run alongside the street market with seasonal produce on offer while shoppers are also encouraged to explore the independent shops within the town and support small businesses.
Deputy leader of Braintree Council Tom Cunningham said: “This Christmas we want to bring the community together and celebrate everything Braintree district has to offer.
“This winter it will be more important than ever to support small businesses, independent traders and community groups, and we want that to be the focus of our Christmas celebrations in 2022.
“We look forward to seeing residents from right across the district joining us for the celebrations.”
The event is on Saturday, November 19.
If you are a charity or organisation which would like to host a stall, or a group which would like to perform on stage, please contact Braintree Council’s Economic Development team at ecodev@braintree.gov.uk.
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