PLANS to make Christmas in Stanford-le-Hope and Corringham magical are well under way.

On December 5, the Corringham Events Committee are staging their ever-popular festive bash in the town.

Youth Creation and David Van Day and Sue Moxley are guest stars performing at the wintery festival in the town centre.

AJ the entertainer - a Thurrock favourite among youngsters - will also be on and to keep youngsters entertained.

The fun starts at 5.30pm and as well as performances from local groups and bands, there will be stalls, games and amusements. The Corringham Light Railway Society are among those that will be exhibiting at the festival.

The evening will be rounded off at 9.45pm, but only after a performance from The Heaters who headlined T-Fest in the summer. The entertaining seven-piece will be performing their repertoire which includes hits by James Brown, Otis Reading, Stevie Wonder, Michael Jackson, Grease, Amy Winehouse and Duffy.

The festival will be played out under the twinkling of the town’s Christmas lights.

Hayley McLean, who bagged gold in the European Under 20s hurdles in July, will be switching on the lights with Mayor of Thurrock Anthony Fish. Cast members from the Thameside Theatre pantomime, Jack and the Beanstalk, will also be at the switch on in the town centre, as will ward councillors.

There will be performances from the talented Louis Sorrell-Wilde and from the Thurrock Spectrum Brass Band. The lights will be switched on at 5.30pm on Friday, November 29.