VISITORS to a country park got a glimpse of Christmas past, present and future during a special festive community event.

But there were no ghouls rattling chains like Marley in Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, just members of the educational team in historical dress at Wat Tyler Country Park, in Pitsea.

Organiser Grant Taylor said: “We have got people in period costume showing what Christmas would have been like through the ages.

“We also have some futuristic stuff like bells that are self-programmed so it’s like a Christmas past, present and future theme.

“Most things were free and there were hundreds of people here having fun.

“We have opened up the barn and the cottage that are not always open throughout the year.

“We had an excellent turnout.”

As well as marvels of technology and historical re-enactments, visitors enjoyed honey from bees kept in Pitsea, a gingerbread man decoration area and bake sale, and carols sung by the Living Word church choir.

The free event also included lantern making, storytelling, and a candle light procession from the cottage at 4pm.

Other highlights were festive food and drink and a photographic display organised by Basildon Heritage.