BRAINTREE Village has outlined its exciting celebrations to mark the shopping outlet's 25th anniversary.

The shopping centre, which opened in November 1999, will host a range of activities from Friday, November 15.

Josef O’Sullivan, centre director at Braintree Village, said: "This is a landmark date in the history of Braintree Village, which has grown into one of the most-loved outlet shopping destinations in the East of England.

"It’s incredible to say that we have members of staff that have remained here for 25 years – it shows real dedication and commitment to work in what is a true labour of love for many."

Public festivities will begin on November 15, with the shopping centre’s PLUS+ rewards club members receiving complimentary ice-skating sessions.

This will coincide with the launch of the ice rink, back for its second year.

The first ice-skating sessions of the year, from 5pm to 6pm and 6pm to 7pm, will be exclusively available for PLUS+ members to book on a first-come, first-served basis.

On November 16 and 17, the outlet will host a range of free entertainment.

This includes performances from 90s dancers and interactive sketches from the cast of Dick Whittington at The Institute.

There will also be prize giveaways worth more than £5,000, a "crack the code" competition, and a live DJ playing 90s hits.

Samantha McKenzie-Carter, who started as a store manager at Boxfresh in 1999 and is now a store and training manager at Radley, said: "Braintree Village has changed dramatically from 1999 – in a good way of course.

"There is a more premium and quality feel to the centre and guests want to stay at the village for longer now."

Tina Breslin, who started as a full-time sales assistant at Regatta in 1999 and is now an area support manager for Craghoppers and the Regatta Group, added: "In 1999, there wasn't much to talk about in Braintree and nowhere to go.

"The land Freeport Braintree, now Braintree Village, was built on was a wasteland – we all had to travel into Colchester or Chelmsford to visit any decent shops."

For more information, visit braintree-village.com.