A display of "pretty, not loud" fireworks will kick off this year's Christmas shopping spree in a Braintree shopping centre.

The 15-minute display, set off from the top of the multi-storey car park at George Yard shopping centre, is one of the attractions at the first of four late night shopping evenings, starting on November 28.

Brenda Baker, centre manager, said: "We want to be good neighbours and encourage people to come and see the fireworks not look and listen from three miles away!"

An annual funfair, organised for years by the Braintree town centre strategy group, is also expected to be a crowd-puller as well as wandering performers around the town.

And this year, for the first time, the shopping centre is hosting a competition to find the musical stars of the future. The final of Yard Stars is due to start at 5.45pm, finishing at 8pm ahead of the firework display.

Anyone wanting to take part in the evening's fun should contact Trina Whittaker on 01376 341519.

Published Tuesday November 18, 2003

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