FAMILIES will be treated to a festive extravaganza as Wickford at Christmas returns, with a host of entertainment planned.

The event, in Wickford High Street and Market Road, will include fairground rides, a stage with singers and performers, stalls and even a Santa parade.

It will be held on November 27 from noon to 5pm and organisers say it will offer something for everyone.

The main stage will be full of entertainment with boy band Echo, singers Nicola Jude and Isabelle Jones, The Rock Choir and singers and DJs Show Me Love.

David Harrison, Wickford Independent councillor and event committee member, said it’ll be a great day.

He said: “The Santa parade starts at noon with characters such as super heroes, there will be 48 stalls in total and rides including a fun house. It’s a very busy time for the committee and we rely so much on volunteers to get things set up on the day.

“We’ve had some sponsorships from Wickford firms and the cost of the lights is £10,000 while the whole event costs around £12,000.

“We rely on the income of the stalls and a big tumbler too. It means a lot to bring this to the town and we expect to see about 6,000 people coming on the day. We couldn’t do it without all the support, helpers, volunteers and donations.”

He said it’s a huge undertaking and it’s getting harder each year to get the funding together for the event.

Mr Harrison also said it’s going offer a range of stalls, Christmas gifts and shops will also be open later due to the additional footfall and customers in the town centre.

He added: “It’s still quite a new event but there is such a need for this in Wickford and without this we wouldn’t have anything like this in the town at all.”

Last year the event saw Basildon X Factor star Che Chesterman turn on the lights and perform for the families.