Huge crowds of people are expected to descend on Maldon tonight as the town plays host to its festive fair.

Maldon Christmas Fair, organised by Maldon Mud Race Company, takes place in High Street from 6pm until 9pm.

Among the attractions will be candle lit processions from each end of High Street at 6pm and performances from The Shanty Men, Maldon Youth Orchestra, Great Totham singer-songwriter Sam Callahan, Maldon Big and Little Sing, Maldon Pantomime Society and various morris dancing groups and other entertainers.

Father Christmas will also take a break from his busy schedule to make an appearance at Maldon Town Hall, while 50 stalls will be manned and a number of shops will remain open until late.

High Street will be closed to traffic from West Square to Victoria Road from 5.30pm until 9.30pm and public buses will be diverted.

A park and ride bus service, picking up from the car parks at Tesco and Morrisons and dropping at Plume School, will be available during the event.