Singing, selling and festive decorations will all be part of a Christmas celebration taking place this weekend.

A host of festive events are being held at St Mary’s Church in Bocking, which will be filled with trees provided and decorated by local schools, families and organisations.

The festivities begin tomorrow with a candlelight carol service, with musical backing from the Colchester Brass Band.

All are welcome to attend and join in with the carols from 7.30pm onwards.

On Saturday, a Christmas market will take place between 11am and 3pm, with stalls, refreshments, a visit from Santa and carols sung by the Children of Bocking School Choir.

Usual services and a Christmas lunch will be held on Sunday, followed by a Civic Carol Service on Monday at 6pm.

Participants in the service will include Lord Lieutenant of Essex, Lord Petre and representatives from Braintree Rethink Carers, the Brainwave Centre and Tabor Science College.

The Dean of Bocking, Canon Philip Need, said: “We love to use Bocking Church as the central point of our community life and we hope that this festive weekend will provide an opportunity for many people to appreciate the wonder of this marvellous building.

“I am sure the Christmas trees will look fantastic and the atmosphere of our celebrations will help us catch a glimpse of the deeper mystery of the Christmas message.”

For more information about the events, call Mr Need on 01376 324887 or the church office on 01376 553092.