COLCHESTER city centre will become a festive hub filled with fun, food and gifts galore when a popular event returns for the first time in three years next month.

The Colchester Christmas Market, in association with Food and Drink Festivals UK, will take place in the High Street on December 11 between 10am and 5pm.

The all-day affair will boast a family-friendly pedestrianised area, live music, street performers, mulled wine and food, and Santa Claus will also make an appearance.

There will also be up to 80 stalls selling the perfect stocking fillers and presents and guests will be able to enjoy thrilling funfair rides in the countdown to Christmas.

The market, which has not taken place since 2019 as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, is designed to give local traders a platform over the festive season.

Martin Goss, Colchester councillor responsible for neighbourhood services and waste, said: “We’re delighted to be hosting the Christmas Market in the High Street.

“The past two years have been extremely challenging for all business, but particularly our local market stall holders.

“This is a way of supporting and enabling them to showcase their products and their businesses by bringing them all together in one place for visitors to browse.”

To find out more information about the free entry Christmas Market visit christmasincolchester.co.uk or Colchester.gov.uk.