A Christmas bonanza is coming to Southend later this year in what bosses hope will be the town’s answer to London’s own Winter Wonderland.

Garon Park will play host to the attraction, which is being organised by the Essex Christmas Wonderland group.

It had originally been planned for Chalkwell Park but was moved and it is hoped that if successful, it will become an annual event in the town.

Here is what we know so far about the attraction:

What will it offer?

The wonderland will of course feature traditional fairground rides.

But to add that festive element, it will also offer Christmas stalls set up in a market area, while an ice rink will be brought in to the park to let people have a go on the ice.

The ice rink will be built underneath a canopy of Christmas lights, and at night, the rink will turn into a disco with state-of-the-art lighting show.

Hot food and drink will be available, while alcohol will also be served to visitors.

A Jingle All the Way show is also due to be held at some point in Garon Park during the event.

When will it open?

The attraction is due to open on December 10 and stay for three weeks, closing on December 31.

Bosses say it will be open everyday from 12pm until 11pm, though it is unclear what the Christmas opening hours will be.

A shuttle bus service is planned to run between Garon Park and Southend Central/ Victoria train stations in a bid to attract visitors from outside the town.

What have the organisers said?

Speaking to the Echo earlier this week, a spokesman from the Essex Christmas Wonderland group said: “The Essex Christmas Wonderland is a Christmas spectacular for all the family.

“We are open from December 10 to December 31 at Garon Park in Southend.

“There is something for everyone with fairground rides, street food, bars, a real ice rink, Christmas market, and much more.

“When the evening comes around, Garon Park is transformed by thousands of sparkling lights so grab your pizza, hot chocolate or a pint of beer and join in the festive cheer.”

What do the public think?

Granddad-of-two Ron Sverdloff, 76, of Old Leigh, said: “My grandkids would love this, and I will be definitely taking them along.

“I’m fully behind anything that brings a bit of happiness to the town, and puts a smile on people’s faces.

“It’s what we all live for.”

Daniel Cowan, dad-of-two and Labour councillor of the St Laurence ward, added: “I honestly can’t wait to take the kids along.

“It’s going to be a fantastic day out.

“It’s something that should be an annual event, and one that will bring in a lot of visitors.

“We should be actively encouraging events like this to the town, it’s going to be great for Southend.”