Towns set for Christmas switch-on

Players from Southend Utd switched the lights on in Rayleigh in 2008

Preparations are underway in towns and villages across Essex for the Christmas lights switch-on.

Many herald the annual event as the official countdown to Christmas, with hundreds of people expected to turn-up.

BBC Essex will be supporting a number of events, including Maldon's Victorian evening and Southend's Festive Funday.

The event in Chelmsford will see the culmination of the BBC Essex 'Shame Academy', which sees the singers battle it out for first place.

Where to find BBC Essex

Saturday, 14 November - Southend

Sunday, 22 November - Chelmsford

Thursday, 26 November - Rayleigh

Saturday, 28 November - Hockley

Thursday, 3 December - Maldon Victoria Evening

Friday, 4 December - Halstead Christmas Festival

Friday, 11 December - Wickford

Saturday, 12 December - Southend Festive Funday