A FESTIVE atmosphere was in the air when a Christmas market rolled into Manningtree over the weekend.

Christmas lovers flocked to the town to browse around a range of stalls selling a variety of crafts, clothings, gifts and food when the market opened on Saturday.

They also enjoyed musical performances and a special guest appearance from the star of Clacton’s Beauty and The Beast pantomime, ex-Towie star Dan Osborne who mingled in the crowd throughout the afternoon.

Youngsters got the chance to meet Santa in his grotto, and visitors were treated to carols around the tree as well as performances by Retrospective Jazz, Manningtree and District Churches Together, Stour Chorale Society, the Boxted Methodist Silver Band and more.

Dan Osborne also selected the grand prize draw for a lucky visitor was took away a meal for four at Lucca.

Andy Petts, chairman of Manningtree Chamber of Commerce said: “It was fantastic to see so many local businesses come together and light up our town for Christmas. There was such a great atmosphere and turnout, we thoroughly enjoyed having the High Street full of happy market-goers looking to grab a unique gift for their friends and family and enjoying the festivities.”

Katie Skingle, director of KAT Marketing - who managed the event alongside Manningtree District Business Chamber – said: “This was our second year of running the Manningtree Christmas Market and it just keeps getting bigger and better every year. This event is great as it allows us to show off the beautiful town of Manningtree to visitors from far and wide as well as let the little ones to meet Father Christmas in his grotto."