TRADERS and shoppers from across Essex flooded into Maldon for the town’s annual vintage Christmas Fayre.

Maldon high street became a winter wonderland on Thursday night as cars were cleared and stalls put up to celebrate the Christmas lights being turned on in the town.

Despite the near freezing temperatures and snowfall, shoppers were not put off as the high street was full to the brim with families wanting to see what was on offer.

Many Maldon traders on the high street kept their doors open late to welcome in passing shoppers, with many organisations such as the Maldon Horticultural Society, Blackwater Leisure Centre, Maldon Brewing Company and Maldon Beekeeper having their own stalls on the street.

But it was not just Maldon and Dengie traders taking to the streets. Businesses from around Essex also came along to experience the full glory of the fayre for the first time.

Elise Melia, from Billericay, has just set up her business “Lovely Little Luxuries”, specialising in baby hampers and gifts, and set up near the stage at All Saints Church.

She said: “We’ve literally just set up in Billericay, and this is our first time here in Maldon. It’s very cold, but it’s been very positive so far. Our Christmas and festive hampers have been very popular.

“We offer personalised hampers to be suited for each family’s as to their taste, they tell us what they want, and we do our best to fill it specific to their order.”

Jessica Hagerup and her Colchester based Norwegian Bakers enjoyed their second visit to the fayre.

She said: “This is our second time here and once again we’ve really enjoyed it. The Norwegian bread and bakery is, we think, much nicer than traditional bread. Instead of using water, we make the pastry with orange juice, olive oils and other vinegars to enrich the taste.

“It’s all vegan friendly, and everyone loves the tasters. It bodes well for our vegan festival we’re holding in Marks Tey in December.”

Further down the street, Absolute Indulgence, from Braintree, were selling their bath bombs for the first time opposite live music being played from the balcony of The Swan Inn.

Margaret Surrey, co-owner, said: “We’re a home based business selling ranges of indulgent bath bombs, soaps and gift sets.

“People can select different indulgences to put together in a gift set.

“It’s our first time here and it’s truly wonderful. Everyone is very nice, the atmosphere has been great and we were right outside the night’s entertainment. We couldn’t have asked for much better.”

Southminster-based Connie’s Cakes were also in town for the first time.

Connie Wallaker set up her home-based cake business around six months ago.

She said: “It’s been a steady first few months, but some nice interest here in Maldon. It’s our first time and we’re trying to branch out into the wider district from the Dengie.

“It’s gone well in Southminster, I hope the people of Maldon like my cakes just as much.”

Maldon Mayor Jeanette Stilts and town councillor Michael Pearlman were the chief organisers behind the event.

Jeanette said: “It’s been another busy, hectic and wonderful vintage fayre. We seem to be busier than ever, and everyone seems to have had a good time, despite the ice cold winds.”

Michael Pearlman said: “It’s been amazing. We’ve had double the sponsors, double the stalls and it seems double the people.

“Everything looks so good, Father Christmas’ grotto in Brights Path has been a real treat.”

Representatives from the Tesco Extra in Fullbridge attended the fayre, collecting donations for Diabetes UK and the British Heart Foundation.

They raised a total of £511.50 on the night.