WHILST Maldon enjoys the summer heatwave, plans are already full steam ahead for this year’s vintage Christmas fayre.

The town’s Christmas fayre is set to return this year on November 29, and organisers are hoping it will be even bigger than last year’s.

This year’s event is set to have a 1950s theme, with the provisional title of “Maldon Rocks” and turn it into a massive street party.

There will be three main stages this year, the biggest being the west end of the high street which will have singers, dancers and the mayor turning on the Christmas lights, a stage at the Swan Hotel for more entertainments, and a new stage down at the eastern end of the street.

There have been 45 stallholders already signed up to attend the event, with organisers aiming to have between 70 and 80 stalls in total for the fayre.

Town and district councillor Michael Pearlman, one of the main organisers, said: “We’re hoping this year’s fayre is the biggest yet.

“It is quite far in advance but it is good to get the ball rolling now. We’ve had amazing support from stallholders, plus many local businesses have come forward to say they will sponsor us, the reaction has been tremendous.”