Christmas set to be big in Billericay (From Echo)

Christmas set to be big in Billericay

8:09am Monday 6th September 2010 in

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Billericay is set for an extra-special Christmas this year, with plans in the pipeline for the biggest festive celebration the town has even seen.

A continental Christmas market, being organised for Sunday December 5, will see thousands of families flocking to the High Street to lap up the yuletide merriment.

The event – which is a united venture between the Rotary Club of Billericay, the Mayflower Rotary Club and Billericay Lions Club and Round Table – will replace the late night midweek shopping celebration which has been held in the town for the past 16 years.

The switch to Sunday daytime, together with the introduction of a continental Christmas market, has the backing of the town’s traders, police, church and council officials.

Organising chairman David Randall said: “A detailed survey has shown that the move will be more family friendly and will avoid many of the pitfalls of previous midweek evening events.

“It will also mean that families, prevented from attending by the late arrival home of commuting parents or reluctance to venture out on a wintry evening, will be able to join in.

“It also gives the chance for the event to be staged on a much larger scale.”

More entertainment will be laid on for revellers this year, with two stages instead of one being set up, as well as more UK craft and farmers market stalls.

Mr Randall added: “This is a major step up in the way Billericay can enjoy a great start to Christmas.

“We are convinced that we can build on the tremendous goodwill we have enjoyed over past years and bring greater benefit to the town in so many ways.”

The High Street will be closed to traffic for the day and bus routes will be redirected.

Charities from across the district will be able to take part and raise funds for their causes.

Anyone wanting to participate in or sponsor the Billericay Christmas Market on Sunday December 5 should e-mail djr66@aol.com for details.