The countdown to Shenfield's biggest Christmas event ever has begun! 

With just over a week to go until the town's festive fun-filled day businesses are making the final preparations for the event. 

November 29 will see Hutton Road filled with a huge variety of entertainment and festive fun for all the family.

Visitors will be able to skate on the synthetic ice rink which has been sponsored by Pinney Talfourd Solicitors and Shawbrook Bank and have their family photo taken in the ever-popular Snowglobe, sponsored by Mullis and Peake Solicitors.

For shoppers, there will be a fantastic array of stalls selling local food and drink, crafts and Christmas gifts, whilst the children can visit Father Christmas in his grotto, do some gaming in the Gamewagon, visit the small animals brought along by Rocky’s Animals, or take a turn on some small fun fair rides.

Entertainment for the event will include street performances from the loveable Penguin Family, the jolly Betty Twinkle and other fun characters.

The stage, hosted by Phoenix FM will feature performances from local schools, choirs and local singers and there will be live music elsewhere throughout the event to keep visitors in the festive mood.

Phoenix FM will also be running a Festive Animal photo competition prior to the event on their website www.phoenixfm.com in association with Best Friends Veterinary Group. The winners will be announced at the event.

Local businesses will be providing plenty of activities for all the family, including facepainting and Christmas games.

Brentwood Borough Council’s Chair of the Community and Health Committee, Councillor Will Russell, said: “We expect this year’s Shenfield event to be the biggest yet with thousands expected to come along.

"We are extremely grateful for the support of local businesses in making this event happen.

"Many of the key elements of this event would not be possible without the support of our sponsors, Shawbrook Bank, Pinney Talfourd Solicitors, Mullis and Peake Solicitors, the Baytree Centre, Saxton 4 x 4, Brentwood Karting and 848 Cars.”

The event, which runs between 1pm and 6pm,  has been supported by the Brentwood Renaissance Group and all proceeds will be going to the local SNAP charity.

Residents and visitors should be aware that on 29 November, Hutton Road will be closed to vehicles from 10am until 8pm and there will diversionary routes in place for any through traffic.

There will be very limited access to residents in some of the surrounding roads.

For more details visit www.brentwood.gov.uk/events or follow @bwoodevents.