COLCHESTER has everything you need for a fantastic Christmas.

That is the message from town mayor Christopher Arnold, who has welcomed the launch of this year’s EADT Shop Local campaign.

The town has dozens of independent traders. Mr Arnold said: “I think it’s certainly important that people should make sure that the shops in the town centre survive and the best way to do that is by using them.”

Huge crowds are expected in the High Street on Saturday, November 17 as the town kicks off its Christmas preparations.

The unveiling of the Williams & Griffin Christmas window display will take place – while the lights on the giant Christmas tree in Culver Square will be illuminated.

Then the High Street and town centre lights will be lit, along with those decorating Lion Walk.

There will be late-night shopping sessions each Wednesday in the build- up to Christmas and an all-day Christmas market along the High Street on Sunday, December 9.

Colchester Castle will have free admission on the evening of Wednesday, December 12.

And late-night shoppers will be able to park in four council-run town centre car parks for just 50p when arriving after 3pm.

Mr Arnold said he was “absolutely sure” he would be hitting the High Street for inspiration when Christmas shopping this year.