CHRISTMAS is coming to Dovercourt with a light switch-on event filled with music and stalls.

The High Street in Dovercourt will be closed to traffic to make way for a Christmas market and stage for the event on December 7.

Shops are hoping to open late from 5pm to 8pm, with the lights being switched on at about 7pm.

There will also be a variety of stalls inside the Kingsway Hall.

Organiser Chris Scutt, from Dovercourt Skating Rink, said: “We will be having stalls along the high street and Kingsway Hall as well as a stage in the high street and real reindeer and children’s rides.

“It should be nice.

“We have got Boogie Shoes Dance Academy, Ballroom Business and Harwich Sing performing and we’ve just had it confirmed Jodie Hunt will be singing as well, along with Michaela Fulleylove.”

Harwich mayor Charlie Powell will be turning on the town’s Christmas lights at the event.

It comes after the lights, funded every year by Harwich Town Council, in old Harwich were turned on for the Illuminate Festival last Friday.

Chris added: “The Christmas Light Switch On should be a really nice evening.

“It brings the whole community together that evening so it’s important for us to do it.

“I came in last minute to help and I feel a bit up against it.

“We could do with more helpers, particularly stewarding.

“If I don’t get anymore help we won’t be able to have Santa.

“He might be able to come by quickly, but we wouldn’t be able to have a grotto in the Kingsway Hall.”

Last year Santa was in an outside grotto in the high street, where he had his elves and live reindeer and children were able to post a letter to the North Pole.

Hundreds of residents flooded the streets for the event.

There will be a town Christmas tree again this year, sponsored by JP Plumbing.

The switch on is a community event with any profits made from the night, after expenses, all going towards funding the occasion next year.

To help call Chris on 07969 378167.