A CHRISTMAS fair in Maldon is set to be rocking street party.

The fourth annual vintage Christmas fayre will be returning to the high street on Thursday, November 29.

High Street will be closed off to make way for various stalls and entertainments, late-night shopping and a switch-on of the Christmas lights.

A spokesman said: “Starting at 6pm, there will be late-night shopping, a street market, choirs, music, hospitality hosted by shops, and competitions.

“Santa and his reindeer will also be in town from 6pm to 8pm in our Winter Wonderland at the far end of Bright’s Path, accessible via Old Mill Close.”

Maldon’s town mayor will switch on the Christmas lights at 6.30pm outside All Saints Church in Silver Street.

Founder and chairman of the fair Michael Pearlman said: “There will be two stages: one outside All Saints Church which is the main stage and the other on the balcony of The Swan Pub.

“Besides this year’s fantastic Christmas lights, there will be 80 stalls selling an assortment of products.

“The planning with my working part starts around February each year and then a meeting is planned every month so in all it takes approximately ten months to hold the three hour event.

“Each year it has gathered momentum and this year will be no exception and in fact I am expecting to be the largest turn out ever.

“I see this year as being almost like a street party hopefully with everyone joining in all the rock and roll dancing and enjoying the vast entertainment.

“I already have thoughts for next year’s event to make it even more fantastic.

“I have great support from the many sponsors which enables me to enhance the day.”

The schedule of live entertainment will start with a roadshow from the newly named Crystal FM at 6pm followed by All Saints carol singers at 6.15pm.

After the lights are switched on, the Big Sing choir will perform at 6.40pm followed by performances by Julie Jive and the Bigshots and tributes to Buddie Hollie and Roy Orbison.

Theatretrain will be performing excerpts of songs from the movie Grease in the High Street from 7pm.

At the Swan, there will be performances from Just Us, the Lee Live trio and DJ Badger.

This year’s theme will be fifties rock and roll.

Visitors may come in fancy dress for the evening and a prize will be awarded for the best dressed visitor.

There will also be prizes awarded for best dressed small shop window, best dressed large shop window and best Christmas themed market stall.

The whole event will be from 6pm to 9pm. The fayre is free for all visitors.

A free shuttle bus service from Morrisons in Wycke Hill to the town centre will be available on the night.

For details, visit maldontowncouncil.gov.uk/maldon-vintage-christmas-fayre.