FESTIVE cheer was well and truly in the air at the weekend as Billericay High Street was transformed into a Christmas market.
From a Santa's grotto to miniature horses dressed as reindeer, the event organised by the Rotary Club of Billericay Mayflower had something for everyone.
Hundreds of visitors sipped mulled wine or tasted one of the many continental delicacies on offer, in the safe knowledge that the money raised will be distributed to a number of local charities.
Mum Emma Britton, 28, brought 20-month--old daughter Charlotte along to see Santa.
Ms Britton said: "This is our third year at the event and it's absolutely fantastic.
"Charlotte first came when she was just a bump, but now she can really enjoy it.
"It's a lovely event and the whole family can come down and enjoy themselves, which is wonderful."
The event closed off the High Street and instead the road was full of stalls selling anything from festive cheeses to handmade decorations.
David Dadds, from High Street solicitors Dadds, swapped his usual role of solving legal issues for serving tea and coffee, as his firm offered free hot drinks to passers-by.
Mr Dadds, 41, said: "I think we must have served in excess of 500 cups of tea and coffee and gone through hundreds of biscuits.
"The Christmas market is a fantastic event and really shows true community spirit.
"It's so important for us to be part of it and we decided to serve free hot drinks with all donations in aid of Cancer Research.
"It's a little bit different from the usual day job but it's great fun."
The event even had its very own snowfall as tonnes of fake flakes were pumped out of The Chequers pub onto the crowds.
Ellie Blaber, six, was with mum Claire Blaber, and miniature horse Sparky.
Ellie said: "The market's great, I've seen lots of my friends here and had fun."
Stallholders had travelled from all over the county to set up shop but trio Crafty Girls, from Billericay, only had to bring their handmade giant baubles and decorations down the road.
Sharon Whitaker, who ran the stall with friend Diane Lott, said: "Our decorations started as a hobby but grew from there.
"It's great to be part of the market, it's a lovely event."
