Exact time the Chelmsford Christmas lights will be switched on this weekend as huge event will take over high street

Christmas lights in Chelmsford city centre will be switched on in a large annual event this Sunday (November 24). The city's High Street and surrounding areas will be lit up with Christmas decorations with a massive event planned across the whole day.

The displays are organised and arranged by Chelmsford For You, the city's Business Improvement District (BID), which is a non-profit organisation funded by city centre businesses. They have been responsible for a range of family-friendly events in Chelmsford, including the 'Monster Invasion', the Women's Safety In Our City campaign and more.

The Christmas lights are set to be turned on at 5pm on Sunday, with a big countdown from the main stage of the event which will be based in front of the Shire Hall. Along with the lights there will also be the classic fireworks display to honour the occasion.

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However, this will not be the only attraction with a host of activities taking place from 10am. Over in Bond Street will be a Santa Bus, where children can meet Santa Claus himself, from 10am to 1pm and 2pm to 5pm. Also in Bond Street will be a light up wand workshop, with drop-ins from 10am to 12.30pm and 1.30pm to 4pm where people can create their own festive light up wand in time for the lights being turned on.

Over in Meadows Shopping Centre, there will be a free glitter bar from 10.30am to 4.30pm; people can get ready for the festivities with a glittery eye design. If there is a queue present, this activity will close the queue 30 minutes before the listed time. On the Stone Bridge next to Poundland and Popeye's, there will be a Christmas Arts and Crafts Market from 10am to 5pm. It will sell a range of gifts perfect for the festive season from a range of local artists and creatives. The Bootmaker will be bringing their festive Mulled Wine Bar and all of the tunes too.

One of the biggest attractions for Christmas in Chelmsford is the market, and that will be in full swing from 11am to 5pm in Market Square, which will include free balloon modelling and kids fairground rides. From 10am to 5pm in Gray's Yard, off Springfield Road next to Nando's and Wing Stop, "The Christmas Yard" will be in full swing with mulled wine from Fete, Christmas tunes, Marshmallow fire pit, Snow Machine and Patch’s Makers Market.

Vendors present at this market include Vix Cakes Essex, Chelmsford Brew Co, Retro From Scratch, TEMPRD, Little Bird, Seven Magpies Studio, Doodlin' Through, Neal's Yard Remedies, Pigments and Powders, Wildrace Scented Candles, The Kitchen at Rayland’s House, Ceramics by Alex, Sid 'n' Ivy, Bardfield Vineyard, Maldon Books, and The Wash Club.

Along the high street all day will be street food vendors until 5pm including Biriyani Boy, Jerk Station, Swings and Zambrero. Sweet treats will include candy floss, churros, crepes, Queenies' mulled wine and roasted chestnuts. Next to the big Christmas tree on the high street will also be a stage celebrating talent from Chelmsford including Marc Halls, Paolo Morena and the Chelmsford Silver Band.

The main stage of the event will be running from 2pm to 5pm with a line-up of music, opened by MP Maria Goldman and hosted by podcasting duo Sara Tupper and Will Richards.