MOULSHAM Street traders kicked off the city's festive period with a bang with a Christmas lights switch-on and a visit from the famous Coca-Cola lorry.
The event, funded by 80 of the road's traders, saw the return of the "Winter Wonderland" parade after a two-year absence.
And despite appalling weather all day on Saturday, hundreds of people braved the cold and the rain to get in on the Christmas spirit.
Traders sold candy floss, roasted chestnuts and mulled wine, while soaking wet residents enjoyed music organised by the James Dace music shop.
But while there was 101 things to do on the street – which was closed to traffic especially for the frivolities – the real star of the show was the iconic Christmas Coca-Cola lorry, with children and their parents queuing up to have their photograph taken with it or, simply, to get their hands on a free can of Coke.
Michael Tipper-Bullen, 60, and his wife Carole had come from South Woodham Ferrers to catch a glimpse of the iconic lorry and wore blue ponchos they had bought from Sea World in America to protect themselves from the elements.
Carole, 57, said: "We come to see the truck but, having said that, there's still lots of things to do."
The weather, however, forced the parade and light-switch on an hour earlier than planned.
Jayne Gayer, chairman of the Moulsham Street Traders Association, said: "It's quite remarkable how many people turned up when you consider the weather.
"Lots came out to see the parade and the switch-on but, unfortunately, you can't legislate for the weather and, it just so happens, this was probably the worst day of the year to have it on."
But the Mayor of Chelmsford, Councillor Christopher Kingsley, seemed not to mind and he was driven through the streets in an open top car.
"He was stuck in the back with his brolly – I thought he showed great spirit," said Jayne.
"All of the shopkeepers made an incredible effort and the community put a huge amount of work in organising it.
"It brought everyone together but it's a shame about the weather. Still, here's hoping for no rain next year."
