Christmas festivities kick off in Hadleigh on Saturday.

On one of the busiest shopping days of the year, residents are encouraged to support their local small businesses, in line with the new national initiative, Small Business Saturday.

A host of events and activities are planned in Hadleigh aimed at increasing shoppers in the town centre. These include a Christmas Market organised by the Hadleigh Castle Rotary Club at Hadleigh Old Fire Station from 11am – 3pm.

Throughout the day, local retailers will compete in a best dressed shop front competition. The Mayor of Castle Point, Cllr Maryse Iles will judge the competition with the winner announced on Saturday afternoon. With many local businesses getting into the festive spirit, the competition should be keenly contested!

Once darkness falls (4.15pm) the Christmas Lights switch on takes place at St James the Less Church. Santa will be on hand to help mark the beginning of the season of goodwill and local residents are encouraged to join in the carol singing and enjoy seasonal refreshments.

The event will complete a mix of business and community events, generating plenty of reasons for visitors to venture to Hadleigh, and which we hope will encourage increased trade for town centre retailers on the day.