IT'S financially tight for many people this Christmas what with the cost of living crisis and rocketing fuel prices.

But you can still feel festive without spending a packet, thanks to some free admission events taking place in Southend City.

If you don't have the cash to splash, you can still enjoy a mooch about Short Street Eco market this Saturday and Sunday, December 10 - 11, from 11am to 5pm.

The Chai cafe will be mulling the ‘wine’, brewing the Kadai Chai and serving delicious nut roast sandwiches with homemade apple sauce.

It’s a free event so bring your kids - word on the street is there may even be a yogi santa and there will be live music.

On Saturday December 17, there is a big family friendly Festive Party at Indirock, Southend, from 1pm - 6pm.

Admission is free into the bouldering gym, which will be offering a festive winter menu, with mulled wine and spiced apple juice available to warm your cockles after a climb.

The winter elves will be out and there will be games for the whole family.

On Sunday December 18, Carols in the Park will be taking place in Priory Park, from 2pm until 3pm.

Just turn up, wrap up, and enjoy some festive music and carol singing performed by the Southend Band on the Southend Bandstand, Priory Park.

Also on Sunday, Christmas Carols with the Salvation Army Band will be taking place outside the Peterboat pub in Old Leigh, from 12.30pm until 2pm.

The Salvation Army Band will be perform some Christmas classics while the pub will serve mulled wine and mince pies.

A spokesman from the Peterboat, said: "We're also proud to have a Giving Tree this year.

"This is your chance to give a gift to a child who may not otherwise receive one.

"Please label your present to say whether it's for a boy or girl and a general age recommendation - we're looking for gifts for babies and children up until the age of 16.

"Please give generously to really make someone's Christmas extra special this year.

"Our Giving Tree will be at The Peterboat until Friday December 23. We will then be donating to the Salvation Army."