CHRISTMAS comes early to Walton this week with a night full of festive fun.

The Walton Christmas Festival has a host of entertainment on offer for young and old, including Clacton Musical Theatre Society performing excerpts from Babes in the Wood, Smooth Grooves dance group and a poignant performance from the Walton Community Church Choir and Salvation Army Band.

For the first time there will be a solo glow hula hoop artist and workshop to light up the evening on Friday, November 28.

Mayor Iris Johnson will also be switching on the lights of the town’s Christmas tree.

Organiser Liz Harper, of Walton Forum, said: “This is something we have been organising for many years now and everyone always has a great time.

“Lots of people dress up for the occasion and make ourselves look a little bit silly for the evening.

“We are especially looking forward to having a hula hoop artist for the first time, which is something really quite different and fun.

“The performance of Silent Night by the community choir will also be especially poignant because we are using it as a tribute to those who fought in the First World War.

“There is also a large firework display at Albion Breakwater and a grand parade.

“With its narrow streets, Walton lends itself to be very festive and really suitable for this sort of Christmas event.”

All the action takes place between 5pm and 8pm in Millennium Square, off Walton High Street.

Santa’s grotto will be open for children and there will be festive stalls offering Christmas treats.