A FAMILY fun day featuring much-loved children's TV characters boosted the high street areas of Maldon and Burnham.
Organisers say the events, hosted by Maldon District Council using the Welcome Back Fund, were a big hit with residents on Saturday (March 26).
Peppa Pig spent the day outside Burnham Baptist Church and Chase from Paw Patrol was at The Black Rabbit Car Park in Maldon, as they met more than 600 of their fans throughout the day.
The free bag giveaway team in Maldon High Street
The stars were joined by a host of entertainers and activities, designed to provide a family-friendly trip to the towns.
A total of 2,000 free shopping bags were distributed, 400 people contributed to the community murals and children loved planting sunflower seeds to take home.
The 'A Community Together' events were well received by visitors, the district council said, as many commented on how nice it was to have live entertainment and activities in their High Street.
A resident contributing to the community mural in Maldon
Guests were also pleased to see additional investment to help boost the community.
Burnham library in particular enjoyed three times the number of visitors they normally would on a Saturday and enjoyed welcoming new faces.
A spokesman for Maldon District Council said: “We are pleased the Keep It Local events in Maldon and Burnham were a success, they provided a great opportunity for residents to visit their local high streets and take part in extra activities.
The bag giveaway team in Burnham
“With support from the ERDF Welcome Back Fund, we hope the day provided a much needed boost to community wellbeing and local businesses with increased footfall on the day.”
The Easter trail was also launched on the day which encourages children and their families to explore their high street.
Peppa Pig in Burnham and Chase from Paw Patrol in Maldon
Trail sheets can be collected from Burnham library.
Maldon District Council engaged Essex marketing agency, Key Lime to deliver the events, funded by the European Regional Development Fund.
The Welcome Back Fund was established to provide councils across England a share of £56 million from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) to support the safe return to high streets and help build back better from the pandemic.
Essex Cosplayers perform in Maldon. Photo by @captainceramics aka Daniel Reed
Photo by @captainceramics aka Daniel Reed
Star Wars cosplayers in Maldon. Photo by @captainceramics by Daniel Reed
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