A MUCH-loved event to kick off the Christmas shopping period in Basildon is back this year with all the usual favourites.

The Basildon at Christmas event will be on Saturday, 20 November from 10am with activities and entertainment across the whole town centre including the Eastgate Centre, Town Square and St Martin's Square where the event will conclude with a fireworks display at 6pm.

Mayor of Basildon Cllr David Dadds, said: "It's wonderful that the Basildon at Christmas event is returning after having to be cancelled last year because of the pandemic. It's an opportunity for the community to come together and get in the Christmas spirit whilst doing some Christmas shopping to boost local trade. There really is something for everyone to enjoy."

The event includes rides, Santa's grottos in Eastgate and the market, food stalls, festive mini-golf, live performances on the Gateway 97.8 stage in St Martin's Square including a Robbie Williams tribute act. The cast of this year's Towngate Theatre Panto Beauty and the Beast will also be making an appearance.

There will also be festive walkabout entertainment in the Eastgate Centre including the Snowball Sprites, Ice Queen and the Elf, the Elvish Presents, a pair of stilt-walking Christmas Trees.

Basildon's favourite comedy nun Musical Ruth will be back to entertain. Shoppers can catch her singing festive songs as she drives around Eastgate on her glittering baby piano.

There will be festive music from vintage singer Jane Darling. And the inflate-a-belles will be making fantastic festive balloons for families queueing for the grotto. Eastgate entertainment will be from 12pm to 4pm.

The event is a partnership between Basildon Council, The Eastgate Centre, Gateway 97.8, Basildon Town Centre Management (BTCM), Basildon Market and Go Trade.

Gateway 97.8 Acts:

Comperes – Tyler and Kurt

4pm – Ladybirds song group

1. 15pm – Harry Cash local singer
2. 30pm – Basildon Pride

5pm – Scott Borley is Maximum Robbie

1. 45pm - Towngate cast & Mayor

6pm – Fireworks

Santa's grotto on the market will be free and any donations will go to St Luke's Hospice.

It will operate at the following times:

10am to 12.30pm and 1.15pm to 4pm.