FESTIVE cheer is on its way to the town centre with a pair of real Christmas trees set to be put in place.

The two trees funded by Colchester Council will be located on the balcony of the town hall in the High Street and in front of the war memorial close to the main entrance of Castle Park.

Both will be installed on Sunday, November 24 and lit a week later as part of a co-ordinated switch on.

The town hall tree will measure 15ft while the one at the war memorial will be a whopping 25ft. There will also be a decorated garland on the front of the town hall balcony.

Last year, council bosses reacted to criticism in 2017 where there were no Christmas trees by installing six across the town centre.

However this year the decorations have been scaled back slightly.

The trees are part of the council’s Better Colchester campaign.

The authorities culture boss and deputy leader Julie Young (Lab) said:“We’re delighted to add some festive cheer to Colchester again this year, by investing in two beautiful Christmas trees.

"We hope they are enjoyed by all the residents and visitors to Colchester.

"They’ll add even more to Colchester’s excellent Christmas offering.

"The trees will be recycled after they are taken down in the New Year.”

The council is offering free parking after 3pm to tie in with late night shopping in all town centre car parks on the Wednesdays leading up to Christmas on December 4, 11 and 18.

Other offers will be available and listed at colchester.gov.uk/parking.

The Colchester Christmas Market returns to the High Street Sunday December 8 between 10am and 5pm with free entry.

The High Street will be pedestrianised and packed with more than 80 stalls with festive food, drink and entertainment.