A popular garden centre has revealed when its Christmas display will be unveiled - and customers don't have long to wait. 

Perrywood, in Tiptree, will be opening its Christmas shop at the beginning of October. 

The garden centre is known for theming the displays each year and this year the theme will be Christmas at the theatre.

A spokesman said: "We have some showstopping displays to share, and if you haven’t visited the theatre recently, we will transport you back to this magical world."

The garden centre will also be hosting late night shopping events on two Thursdays - one in November and one in December. 

On both dates the site will be open until 7.30pm. 

Read more >> Magical outdoor light trail coming to Essex this Christmas (and it sounds incredible)

The late night shopping events take place on November 11 and December 2. 

The spokesman added: "[It is] the perfect time to see all the twinkly Christmas lights!

"Our Coffee Shop & Restaurant, Greenhouse Café and Compost Drive-Thru will close at their normal times earlier in the day. Some other outdoor departments may also be closed."

The garden centre has also confirmed Santa’s Grotto will not be back this year. 

The spokesman added: "After careful consideration, we have decided not to bring back Santa’s Grotto to Perrywood.

"Instead, we are putting all our efforts into our Christmas Shop, where there will be plenty of theatrical photo opportunities."