FROM bauble hunters to gift wrapping ninjas, families have turned out in force to mark the beginning of the festive season at the A127's Alton Garden Centre.

The centre’s Christmas launch took place on Friday and was a chance for the public to get a first look at Alton’s Christmassy transformation.  

The annual event is always a hit for the centre, and this year’s launch was no different. In addition to the revamped store, guests were treated to mouth watering BBQ food and live music from Southend’s Ladybird Song Group.

Hours of work go into the Christmas displaysHours of work go into the Christmas displays (Image: George Pizani)

Father Christmas was on hand to charm younger visitorsFather Christmas was on hand to charm younger visitors (Image: George Pizani)Alton Garden Centre was opened in 1971 by Derek Bunker, and their Christmas extravaganza began soon after as Derek sought innovative ways to turn a profit during the winter months.

“You’ve got a big showroom that’s empty in the winter and no one’s doing planting, so that’s what started off Christmas here.

“We can use the space to create really good displays. This year the theme we’ve worked around is rooms,” said Derek.

Jan Walters, Joanna Lewis and Maria Santos are the women behind the Christmas extravaganzaJan Walters, Joanna Lewis and Maria Santos are the women behind the Christmas extravaganza (Image: George Pizani) Whilst Derek is the founder and owner of Alton Garden Centre, it’s staff members Jan, Maria and Joanna who are responsible for the glory of the centre’s Christmas opening.

“We started about four weeks ago and we do everything internally. We don’t employ anyone extra to help us get things ready,” said HR manager and Christmas lead, Jan Walters.

“Year on year on, we see the same people coming to our launch, because they really enjoy the evening

“I look at the ticketing list and see so many people who come back year on year. It’s a bit of a tradition for a lot of people now,” added Jan.

Among those returning to Alton Garden Centre’s Christmas opening was the Turi/Wakelin family from Rayleigh. They’d made the journey after enjoying the atmosphere at previous events.Three generations - the Turi/Wakelin family come to the event every yearThree generations - the Turi/Wakelin family come to the event every year (Image: George Pizani)

The displays take over four weeks to installThe displays take over four weeks to install (Image: George Pizani)

“We’ve done this for the last three years and its just such a lovely tradition. It’s the first Christmas thing we do each year and is a great way to start the festive season”

“The tradition is to get a new bauble every year but we’re still looking. I’m sure we’ll find one a couple of hours in,” joked Jessica Turi.

Alton Garden Centre’s Christmas displays can be enjoyed until January.