FATHER Christmas is to magically appear at a hotel’s festive fair.

The recently-refurbished Crowne Plaza Resort at Five Lakes, Tolleshunt Knights, will also feature appearances from magician Michael J Fitch at its Christmas Fair on Saturday and Sunday, from 10.30am until 5pm.

The event, organised by Colchester company Snake in the Grass, will have real reindeer, a sleigh, stalls, Christmas trees, a real ale bar, British, French and Italian markets, and a children’s corner.

Charities which would like a free stall can apply at snakeinthegrass.co.uk Organiser Don Quinn said: “This will be a family event supporting the local community and this superbly refurbished star of a hotel.”

Adults pay £5 to enter. Children go free, and there is free parking.