The tastes and smells of Christmas, and the sounds of carol singing, have filled north Essex.
Christmas shoppers - Louis Butcher, 6, helps his mum Tanya pick a Christmas wreath at Brightlingsea's late-night shopping event. Picture: TERRY WEEDEN (46547-2)
The Colchester Christmas Fair and Market took over the High Street yesterday.
Stalls served up all the seasonal delicacies, including mulled wine, hot chestnuts and plum pudding.
Colchester native oysters, the town's own speciality and a festive favourite on the Continent, also proved popular.
As well as the food and drink, revellers enjoyed fairground rides, craft stalls, carols and festive music.
The festive spirit descended on Brightlingsea, bringing with it carols, mince pies and a funding boost for St Helena hospice.
Traders threw open their doors for the town's late-night shopping event on Friday.
The night started with a carol concert and Light Up a Life service at St James Church, where a cheque for £9,000 raised through the year was handed over to the hospice. After the service, a crowd estimated at 2,000 took the chance to do some seasonal shopping and enjoyed amusements and carols.
More in today's Evening Gazette
Published Monday, December 5, 2005
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