SMILING faces, cheer, and merriment feature in our spread of winter celebrations past.

This year has been an extraordinary time for all of us.

With multiple lockdowns and social distancing in place, one of the things we have missed out on most this year are large gatherings during the festive season.

We’ve been through the archives to dig out some photos from events from the past few years which marked the end-of-year celebrations which took place across mid Essex.

From Christmas fayres, carol singing, and even a New Year’s Day row, there have been many occasions over the years for residents to get together.

Hopefully, we can return to those times again.

But in the meantime, enjoy this look at just some of the celebrations from over the past decade.