THE Maldon Christmas Fayre is making a comeback this November - giving residents an 'evening to remember'.

The festival returns to the town centre on Thursday, November 25, with entertainment and hospitality hosted by the town's shops and stalls from 4pm to 9pm.

Christmas lights will be turned on by the town mayor, David Ogg, at 4.30pm, after which visitors can enjoy the range of entertainment.

There will be Christmas shopping, festive food and drink, and live music, for all to enjoy.

For children, there will be a Punch and Judy show, live reindeers and a Father Christmas grotto.

Prizes will also be awarded for best small shop window display, best large shop/retail area window display, best salon display, and best dressed restaurant/bar.

Maldon town councillor Michael Pearlman said: "This year all the stops are being pulled out to give the residents of Maldon district and our visitors an evening to remember.

"Maldon wants this year’s event to be very special so that everyone enjoys the evening by getting into the spirit of Christmas.

"We hope that all the High Street shops will take this opportunity to stay open for late evening shopping, have a stall outside your premises and enter into the spirit of the event."

This year, the road closure will extend from West Square to Wantz Road.

There will be a free shuttle bus into the town centre from Morrisons.