The fun begins with the Christmas Spectacular on Saturday 17th November when the town centre will be transformed into a winter wonderland for the 2012 Christmas lights switch-on.

This free family fun day takes place from 8.30am to 5.30pm and offers a thrilling programme of delights to get the festive season off to a cracking start. These include:

• ‘The Royals Fairytale Christmas Parade’ – Santa and his real live reindeer will be joined by fairytale characters including Cinderella as they travel down the High Street, starting at Victoria Circus at 1pm and finishing at the Royals Shopping Centre.

• A varied programme of performances on the ‘Spectacular’ stage in Victoria Circus between 12noon and 3pm

• BBC Essex’s Quest Team will be broadcasting live to entertain shoppers at the top of Pier Hill throughout the day

• Heart FM’s Breakfast Show presenters Martin & Su will be hosting entertainment on the Heart FM stage from 4pm to warm up the crowds ready for the big lights switch-on at 5pm

• look out for our roaming performers in the High Street who will be looking to add plenty of festive cheer to your day

• a spectacular fire show by students from the East 15 Acting School from 5pm to 5.30pm

• to round off the day join BBC Essex at 5.30pm on Pier Hill for a great view of our Christmas Spectacular fireworks, sponsored this year by Genting Club, Westcliff-on-Sea

• a Christmas Farmers and Craft Market in the High Street offering a wide selection of seasonal delights, Christmas treats and unique gift ideas for friends and loved ones. The market will be in the High Street every Saturday from 17th November to 22nd December as well as Sunday 23rd and Monday 24th December and

• the chance to enter a fantastic competition to win a bumper festive prize package made up of 20 superb goodies including £200 to spend at the Victoria Shopping Centre, a three-month unlimited travel bus pass from Arriva, an overnight stay for two including accommodation at the Park Inn Palace Hotel, a family ticket for the 2013 Panto at the Cliffs Pavilion and a luxury M&S hamper.

The Christmas Spectacular is supported and sponsored by Southend Town Centre Partnership, The Royals Shopping Centre, Southend-on-Sea Borough Council, The Victoria Shopping Centre, Arriva and Genting Club.

FESTIVE FUN DAY – Saturday 1st December

Join us on Saturday 1st December for tons of festive fun and entertainment between 11am to 4pm.  Attractions include:

• roaming street performers

• fun Christmas workshops and face painting for children

• a Santa cycle ride

• the Arriva ‘Story Bus’

• the chance to have your photograph taken alongside the Nativity Scene in the Royals Shopping Centre

• the Funky Voices performing Christmas carols and songs in the Royals and Southend Boys and Girls Choir at the Victoria Shopping Centre from Christmas performances by BrazilArte and a mini farm for parents and children to enjoy the delights of a range of animals ‘up close and personal’ in Royal Square

The Festive Fun Day is supported and sponsored by Southend Town Centre Partnership, The Royals Shopping Centre, Southend-on-Sea Borough Council, Arriva, Feelgoods and The Victoria Shopping Centre.

Southend-on-Sea Borough Council’s Executive Councillor for Culture and Tourism, Derek Jarvis, said: “These events really do have something for all ages, and they put Southend very firmly on the map as a top festive destination for residents and visitors.

“Everyone can come along and share lots of fun for free. The attractions showcase all that the borough has to offer and let everyone know that they can find everything they need for Christmas here in Southend.”