HUNDREDS flocked to enjoy the festive season kick off in Witham as the town held its annual fair and Christmas lights switch-on.

The event held by Witham Town Council was a great success and featured a range of stalls and rides.

Braintree and Witham Times: Reggie Maker, 10, with Vinnie Maker, 3Reggie Maker, 10, with Vinnie Maker, 3

Braintree and Witham Times: Witham butchers showing off their Christmas windowWitham butchers showing off their Christmas window

Braintree and Witham Times: Kayleigh Wilkinson on her Handcraft Wax stallKayleigh Wilkinson on her Handcraft Wax stall

Braintree and Witham Times: The Sweet Fix stallThe Sweet Fix stall

Actual Radio was on hand to host the array of entertainment on stage, with members of the community coming in droves to enjoy the day.

They were joined by the town’s pantomime stars, and events included the Big Sing, Phina Circus and Dance, the Chipping Hill Choir, Dance Exclusive and more.

Braintree and Witham Times: Maeve Baker, 2Maeve Baker, 2

Braintree and Witham Times: The Blue Belle Boutique stall with Julie Rhoads, Fred Staab and Amillia BoyceThe Blue Belle Boutique stall with Julie Rhoads, Fred Staab and Amillia Boyce

Braintree and Witham Times: Dame Nanny Sally from Sleeping Beauty PantoDame Nanny Sally from Sleeping Beauty Panto

Braintree and Witham Times: The Complete Dance Studios on stageThe Complete Dance Studios on stage

Braintree and Witham Times: The Complete Dance Studios on stageThe Complete Dance Studios on stage

The event was one of many town council events which has seen success this year, including the platinum jubilee event, Witham Dog Show and the Street Entertainment Festival.

A spokesman for the council said: “The Christmas event was a great success.

“As well as having stalls along the length of Newland Street, ‘Crafters Corner’ in the United Reformed Church was full of handmade gifts for people to buy.

“Planning is also underway for a music event next year dedicated to the coronation of King Charles III which will take place on the River Walk on Saturday, May 6, with food, drink and entertainment for all the family.

“If any bands would like the opportunity to perform at the event, please email events@witham.gov.uk.”

Braintree and Witham Times: The crowd enjoying the eventThe crowd enjoying the event

Braintree and Witham Times: The Chipping Hill choirThe Chipping Hill choir

Braintree and Witham Times: Dance ExclusiveDance Exclusive

Braintree and Witham Times: Guests sing Sweet CarolineGuests sing Sweet Caroline

Witham Northern county councillor Ross Player was delighted with the event.

Mr Playle and follow councillor Tom Cunningham had lobbied for the length of Newland Street to close for the event.

He said: “It was great to see the community together. It is the biggest event we’ve had in Witham for a long time - post-pandemic at least.

“The weather held out nicely, there was plenty to do on the day and it was a good platform for small businesses in the run-up to Christmas.

“The road closure took some doing but really made the event, having everyone and everything together.

“It was just nice to come together as a town and enjoy Christmas.”

MORE PICTURES BELOW

Braintree and Witham Times: The Sleeping Beauty Panto on stageThe Sleeping Beauty Panto on stage

Braintree and Witham Times: The Sleeping Beauty Panto on stageThe Sleeping Beauty Panto on stage

Braintree and Witham Times: The Complete Dance StudiosThe Complete Dance Studios

Braintree and Witham Times: Dom Atkins of Actual Radio interviews youngstersDom Atkins of Actual Radio interviews youngsters

Braintree and Witham Times: Youngsters in the audienceYoungsters in the audience

Braintree and Witham Times: Dom Atkins of Actual Radio interviewing youngstersDom Atkins of Actual Radio interviewing youngsters

Braintree and Witham Times: Guests loved the eventGuests loved the event

Braintree and Witham Times: Families came in their trovesFamilies came in their troves

Braintree and Witham Times: Stilt walkers in the crowdStilt walkers in the crowd

Braintree and Witham Times: The Sleeping Beauty Panto on stageThe Sleeping Beauty Panto on stage

Braintree and Witham Times: The lights after being switched onThe lights after being switched on