SHOPPING centre bosses have promised their best ever Christmas experience when lockdown ends next week.

Lion Walk Shopping Centre in Colchester town centre will be transformed into a winter wonderland to mark the festive season.

The centre will have its winter garden with bar, Bavarian-style hot food, Santa’s grotto and a magical Christmas light display.

It will all be provided within a canopy-covered heated garden.

The garden will be Covid-19 compliant and visitors will be able to enjoy it from Wednesday.

Lion Walk shopping centre manager Martin Leatherdale said: “We have worked with our retailers and partners to deliver something extra special whilst remaining complaint with the Covid-19 guidelines.

“In light of the challenges we have all faced, we aim to give our customers the best Christmas shopping experience we can.”

He added: “As always, we work diligently with the local authorities and Government advice to ensure that our customers feel safe.”

Paul Hedges, event manager, added: “It is our upmost priority to ensure that customers can enjoy the magical festivities safely this Christmas.

“Santa is well and truly on his way and we hope you enjoy this enchanted experience as much as we have enjoyed creating it.”

Lion Walk shopping centre will also be participating in the town’s late-night shopping plans every Wednesday in the run up to Christmas.

In addition, Primark will also be open from 8am to 9pm from Monday to Saturday.

Lion Walk shopping centre has also partnered with the charity Mid and North East Essex Mind to support its work for the community throughout the pandemic.

Lion Walk Winter Garden will be opens daily from 11am to 10pm or 11pm from Wednesday.

For more information visit www.christmaswintergarden.com.