With the festive season rapidly approaching, the organisers of this year's Maldon Christmas Fayre have announced the variety of entertainment on offer on November 30.

Set to be "bigger and the better than ever", organiser Michael Pearlman is hoping to dazzle shoppers with entertainment to rival last year's 'Sweet Caroline singalong', which saw 7,0000 people take part.

Singer and Neil Diamond tribute act Ade Warwick will return to the main stage outside All Saints Church, joined by local musician Joanna Power. The duo will commence celebrations with a medley of festive songs and carols.

They will be followed by community choir The Big Sing, and Lou Blackwell.

The Blue Boar will host a Dickens-style Christmas scene, with children from the Essex-based performing arts club NTA Workshops dressed in period costume. Snow machines and lights will help complete the festive feel.

Brights & Sons Solicitors, in West Square, will host Santa's Grotto. A free booking system will help minimise queuing, so families can spend more time enjoying the event. A church choir is also set to perform in West Square, just outside Santa's Grotto.

Maldon Town Mayor Councillor Andrew Lay is set to switch the Christmas lights on at 5pm, on the main stage.

Reggae band The Procrastinators, Steve Maxworthy, and DJ Badger will all entertain punters outside The Swan Hotel.

Meanwhile, DJ Luke Tyson will play all the hits, based outside Maldon Spice throughout the evening.

Popular children's characters may also be spotted wandering between the one hundred stalls, including:

• The Grinch
• Peppa Pig
• Characters from Disney's Frozen
• A dinosaur

The Maldon Christmas Fayre will take place from 4pm until 9pm on Thursday 30 November. A street market will span the High Street from West Square to the High Street East Car Park. Parking will be free at all car parks from 4pm onwards.

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