RESIDENTS can look forward to some festive fun as the Markshall Estate prepares for weeks of winter activities.

The estate, between Earls Colne and Coggeshall, is holding a wide range of events ranging from winter walks to Father Christmas’s woodland storytelling.

The festive season kicks off this weekend with a new family event – Storytelling with Father Christmas.

Running every weekend to December 19, visitors can join Father Christmas as he reads a Yuletide tale of the magic of Christmas at Markshall.

For one night only on December 1, special guest speake, Professor James Raven will present 150 years of history at and around Markshall Estate as the first of a series of evening talks.

Crafty people looking for an eco-friendlier way to decorate their homes this Christmas will be able to take part in wreath and decoration-making workshops taking place on select dates in December.

Expert bushcraft and willow weaving artists will be on hand to help visitors create decorations and wreaths, made from materials harvested on the estate.

Festive party nights also return to the Coach House on December 11 and 18.

Partygoers can celebrate the festive season with a winter-themed three course menu and dance with music from a professional DJ.

Wild Wednesday is back for all the family on December 29.

Visitors young and old can join the Markshall Estate team in the Wild Wood with a range of activities from making leaf puppets to flower painting and hammock building.

Kath Cockshaw, executive director at the Markshall Estate, said: “In our 50th anniversary year of the charity, we’re really looking forward to our winter events programme, including the much-anticipated Storytelling with Father Christmas series.

“The team at Markshall Estate hope to spread some festive cheer for everyone to close out 2021.”

For the first time, there will be newly extended opening hours over the Christmas and the New Year period.

For more information, visit markshall.org.uk.