Alternative festive cheer is being spread during a vegan takeover of Colchester this Christmas.

The shopping experience from Essex Vegan Market will be landing at Charter Hall, off Cowdray Avenue, for all to get stuck into.

The popular event on Saturday, November 27, features a wide variety of stalls, including some traditional Christmas food, free food to try, plus a wide range of inspirational gift ideas.

It will run from 10.30am to 4.30pm and will feature the best of vegan fashion, jewellery, perfume and accessories, as well as gifts, such as scented candles, cruelty-free cosmetics and plastic-free goodies.

Food at the event will cater for all, including VDogs, which provides freshly-cooked to order vegan hotdogs, Greek Vegan Deli, Those Vegan Pizza Guys and Home Kitchen.

No visitor will leave parched either, with Copa Wine, Juicybar and Mel Tropical Kitchen serving up the drinks.

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Essex-based businesses will also be taking up their stalls, including Alfresco Coffee Bar, Eden Living providing traditional dishes and food influenced by the Mediterranean and Middle East.

English Spirit will be offering a range of spirits, from the original English rum to divine gins, mouth-watering vodkas and luscious liqueurs.

Mrs Button’s Chocolates will be selling its delicious range of hand-made chocolates, bars and buttons, while Muffin Makery will be offering its special range of muffins and mixes.

Continuing the prominent continental theme, Norwegian Bakers will be selling bread, buns and savoury swirls and, closer to home, Manningtree’s Winyl is set to sell its vegan range of beer, gin and wine.

For those who perhaps aren’t stocking up on food, Essex-based Latino Accessories will be offering the chance to purchase a unique Christmas gift in its range of vegan Ivory Seed jewellery.

The Earth Shop’s wide range of vegan toiletries, including hair care, deodorant and dental products, are set to be available too.

Vegan Events UK itself, which was founded in 2017 and runs the event, was launched with the joint aim of promoting veganism and helping to fund the vegan-led animal welfare charity, Miracle’s Mission.

The indoor event will begin at 10.30am at Charter Hall, at Colchester Leisure World.