THE magic of Christmas has come early at an eager Billericay garden centre... more than four months before the big day.
Despite the forecasted heatwave this weekend, bright lights, sparkly tinsel and lightly dusted "snow" wreaths have popped up in a grotto-like section of Summerhill Garden Centre, in Arterial Road.
Visitors will be able to step foot inside the winter wonderland on Saturday, August 26, when they can start buying their decorations and presents for the holidays in advance.
However, the centre has confirmed the main man will not be making an appearance in his off-season.
Instead, a Santa selfie seat will be available for people to take pictures.
Charlotte Harrington, Summerhill Garden Centre office manager, said: “It is set to be pretty spectacular.
“It takes a very, very long time to kit the space out well in advance for the Christmas season as we have to build everything.
“We are always the first place in Essex to have a festive display and to sell decorations.”
Christmas obsessives have always spoken highly about the centre bringing the holiday cheer months in advance.
It is claimed a Scottish woman travels down every year to the Billericay garden centre especially for their warm and magical feature.
When it does open next weekend, it won't be fully completed.
Charlotte added: “Our grotto-like space does not get fully completed until October.
“This is because we are constantly getting deliveries coming in every Wednesday with new items.
“Over the many weeks in the lead up to the autumn month, the scene is going to get bigger and bigger.”
Items available inside the Summerhill Garden Centre include a standing snowman which costs £8 and a bauble reed diffuser for £4.
It comes as south Essex have seen scorching temperatures with highs of 25oc.
Weather warnings are in place for heat this weekend, as well as a yellow weather warning for thunderstorms to batter Southend, Basildon and Canvey.
This means driving conditions could be affected by spray, standing water and possible delays to train services.
It will be in place from 6am on Friday, August 18, to 12 pm later on in the day.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel