IT'S the weekend again and we've put together a few things to keep you busy.

1. TWO reindeers will join revellers at the Canvey Christmas lights switch-on later this weekend.

The island’s town council has confirmed the pair will be returning to the annual event, taking place on Saturday, November 28.

Entertainment will also be provided by Martin and Su from the Heart Breakfast Show, who will be on stage from 1pm until the 5pm switch-on.

The event is a popular fixture in Canvey’s diary, with more than 3,000 attending each year.

It will be taking place in the town centre on Furtherwick Road at the top of the High Street.

The free event will officially start at noon with an assortment of Christmas stalls, funfair, children’s games and performances from local bands, choirs and dance groups.

Peter Greig, chairman of town council is hopeful the strong turnout will continue at this year’s event.

He said: “This is the town council’s eighth annual Christmas event and everyone is welcome to join in the fun.

“There will be lots going on to entertain the whole family. We want everyone to get into the festive Christmas spirit and support our local businesses.”

Canvey Library will be providing a children’s storytime session and a sing-a-long, as well as arts and crafts activities.

The town council has also announced that Furtherwick Road, from the junction of Foksville Road to Waarden Road, will be closed from 7am to 9pm.

A diversion route will be in place during the road closure. First Group will be diverting its buses during the temporary road closure, routes will be published on their website: www.firstgroup.com and at bus stops.

For more information on the switch-on, visit canveyisland-tc.gov.uk

2. A CHRISTMAS fair will be held at a Leigh primary school.

Darlinghurst in Pavilion Drive, Leigh, will be running the event from 10am until 3pm this Saturday, November 28.

There will be gifts, cake and a choir singing festive carols as well as face painting and Santa’s grotto.

The day will raise money for the Indy Fund, Hope for Jess and Ronald MacDonald Housing Fund.

3. A CRAFT and vintage fair is being held in Westcliff to raise money for a deaf children’s charity.

St Thomas More High School, in Kenilworth Gardens, is hosting the event between 11am and 3pm on Saturday.

Entry is free.

It will offer a range of stalls selling jewellery, Christmas decorations, Christmas gifts, beauty products, cakes, and vintage clothes.

There will also be a vintage-style tea room, serving hot refreshments.

There will be a prize draw, with a percentage of ticket sales going to the Essex Deaf Children’s Society. For more information, email suearif@blue yonder.co.uk

4. HOCKLEY Village Townswomen’s Guild Christmas fair takes place at the Old Fire Station, in Spa Road, Hockley, between 9am and 1pm on Saturday.

There will be stalls selling a range of gifts, and a tombola.

Proceeds will go to the guild and to village charities.

For more information, call 01702 204942.

5. Brentwood light switch on will take place this Saturday. 

Activities in High Street between 1pm and 6pm, lights will be switched on at 6pm by mayor Mark Reed after a candle lit performance by a local choir.

Santa will be in the Sugar Hut grotto and there will be a giant snowglobe, giant Titan the Robot dancer plus market stalls and street entertainers.

Free parking will be available at the multi-storey car park in Coptford Road.

6. A NAPOLEONIC re-enactment group will be parading in full uniform in Pitsea on Sunday.

The 44th East Essex Regiment of Foot will be holding a drill day at Wat Tyler Country Park, from 11am until 3pm.

Visitors are welcome to watch new recruits in training and veterans being put through their paces.

For more information, call 07774 493609.

7. BILLERICAY’S Christmas lights will be switched on this weekend.

The High Street will be closed for the town’s Christmas lights switch-on from Western Road to Alma Link, on Saturday, November 28 from 2pm onwards.

There will be an afternoon of entertainment including High Voltage Big Band, the Wickford Majorettes, Mayflower Morris Men, Woodlands School Choir, St. Peter’s School Choir, Dance Steps Academy and Mayflower High School Choir. This will all culminate in the switch on of the lights at 4.30 pm by Father Christmas.

8. A CHRISTMAS tree festival will be held at Holy Trinity Church, Rayleigh from Thursday to Sunday. The church will be filled with decorated Christmas trees and their will be a competition for the best one.

There will also be stalls, refreshments and a service of light on Sunday at 4pm as well as a Christmas grotto where children will have the chance to donate a gift for children less fortunate than themselves.

For further information, call 01268 742151 or visit www.parishofrayleigh.org.uk

9. BASILDON Operatic Society’s annual Christmas concert is being held at Hadleigh Methodist Church, in Chapel Lane, Hadleigh, on Saturday, November 28, from 8pm.

Tickets are £7 for adults and £4 for under-16s, with half of the proceeds going to Hadleigh Methodist Church funds.

To book,call Elaine or Derek Brooks, on 01702 208747.

10. On Sunday, the Galleywood Heritage Centre, in Margaretting Road, is holding a Christmas Craft Market between 10am to 4pm. Entrance is free. As well as a variety of craft stalls there will be bric a brac and books for sale, and a Christmas themed raffle. Children can visit Santa in his grotto between 1pm and 3pm at a cost of £1.50 per child. The Horseshoe tearoom will be serving hot drinks, mince pies, sausage rolls and home made cakes.