By Ben Shahrabi
A REVIVED Christmas event will put Maldon businesses first, the town council has vowed, as it unveils plans for this year’s festive lights switch-on.
Previously named The Maldon Christmas Fayre until “changes” were announced in May, this year’s festivities will take place in the High Street on Thursday 28 November.
The new event will “prioritise Maldon businesses”, with town centre shops encouraged to hold stalls outside their premises. Other traders, community groups and charities from across the Maldon District are also invited to participate.
Organisers say Maldon High Street will have “a festive atmosphere, filled with joy and excitement”.
The Mayor of Maldon, Councillor Andrew Lay, said: “We are engaging with businesses in the town to bring an event that will showcase the hard work and dedication of our established retailers and smaller start-up businesses across Maldon.
“We will also look to support community groups and charities.”
It comes after Maldon Town Council revealed in May that it would hold a “reduced” event, as two key members of the Christmas Fayre organising committee had stepped down.
At the time, a town council spokesperson said: “It was felt the ability to deliver the fayre to the scale of the previous events would not be possible.
“This decision was not taken lightly.”
Now, the council has confirmed the traditional street stalls will return, along with indoor markets, live entertainment, Santa’s Grotto and a selection of local wares on offer.
There will also be indoor craft markets selling bespoke items, along with hot food and refreshments. Spaces are available for stalls in the Town Hall and in the Swan Hotel’s Cygnet Room.
Caroline Coastal FM is set to compere the event, providing music between live performances from local acts.
Celebrations will start at 5pm, before the town’s Christmas lights are officially switched on at 6pm.
Councillor Andrew Lay is calling for more volunteers to help run the event.
He said: “Thank you to the volunteers and groups who have already stepped forward, offering to help out on the night.
“We are still seeking more to make the event a big success.”
To volunteer, email administration@maldontowncouncil.gov.uk or call 01621 857373.
Those wishing to host a stall are asked to complete an online “expression of interest form” by Sunday 15 September. For more information, visit maldontowncouncil.gov.uk/christmas.
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