A FESTIVE float will glide into Colchester as Santa comes to town.

Forming part of Fenwick’s Festive Showcase on Sunday, the motorised float will set off from Head Street at about 3.45pm before making its way onto the High Street to meet Colchester mayor Gerard Oxford.

The float, which will be driven by an elf, will feature a candy cane in the middle so Santa can have a rest while saluting the crowd.

It will also contain three of the carousel horses made by school children, ready to take their place alongside the other six inside Fenwick.

The horses were designed as part of a community project which saw nine schools design unique carousel ponies.

The schools were given free rein over how to finish off the sculptures and pupils went the extra mile to ensure it was memorable.

Stoke-by-Nayland Primary School christened its horse The Spirit of Nayland and let the children apply decoupage to the sculpture in the school’s colours of blue and white.

Dedham Primary School named its blue horse Stardust and it was created by the Key Stage 2 Art club.

Carl Milton, managing director of Fenwick Colchester, said: “Father Christmas arriving in town so everyone can get a glimpse of him is an exciting time for all of us and a huge part of Christmas coming to Colchester.

“We are delighted to have him riding into the High Street on our float surrounding by three of the beautiful carousel horses.”

Hamish Everett, operations manager at Version Events who built the festive float, added: “It’s important Santa arrives in style and this float will make sure everyone can see him and his elf.”

A number of other attractions will be happening around the town on the same day.

Princesses will be roaming around Culver Square shopping centre between 1pm and 4pm.

The Jazz Hands dance academy will perform there between 2pm and 3pm.

The Colchester Military Wives Choir will join in between 3pm and 3.40pm with Funky Voices Choir taking over at 3.45pm.

The cast of the Mercury Theatre’s Snow White have recorded a special message, which will be projected on to the outside of the Fenwick store.

Nathan Brine, associate producer of the Mercury Theatre, said: “It’s great to be part of the town’s Christmas campaign - it is such a fun theme for the town. “ The festive illuminations will be turned on from 4.15pm in Colchester High Street and 4.30pm in Culver Square.

  • The Gazette promotions team will be outside the town hall, giving away gingerbread men and Santa hats when you buy a copy of the paper.

Gazette:

THE festive fun starts on Sunday as the town centre comes alive with music.

Colchester Presents has arranged an exciting day of entertainment.

The High Street will be closed from 11am until 5pm as the town readies for Fenwick’s festive showcase.

Santa will arrive on his Christmas float followed by a digital display at Fenwick, counting down to the Big Christmas Lights Switch On.

Mayor Gerard Oxford will then light up the High Street.

From 11.30am there will be performances from Retrospective Jazz, TOWIE star Dan Os- 10 Gazette Friday November 24, 2017 www.gazette-news.co.uk borne, Stagecoach Colchester, Ilaz School of Dance, Latin Rhythm, Evolution College Choir, a dance mix by The Company, and 1st Class Brass.

At 3.45pm Santa’s float begins its journey from Head Street to the High Street. The mayor will arrive on stage, followed by Santa, just before 4pm.

The countdown will begin before the lights are turned on at about 4.15pm and Christmas carols will be performed by Boxted Methodist Silver Band.

The Culver Square lights will be switched on at 4.30pm and there will be a number of activities taking place there too.

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