Residents enjoyed a bustling Christmas market on the last weekend of November. 

The Harwich Town Residents Association organised the festive market on November 24, where traders offered a colourful mix of sweet treats, drinks and handmade gifts. 

Father Christmas and his busy elves made a special appearance on the day, entertaining old and young alike. 

The market is an annual tradition and has been heralding the start of the Christmas period in Harwich since 2011.

Retailers and charities, as well as local clubs, have been a vital part of the town's market since its beginning.

Nick May, on behalf of the Harwich Residents Association, said: "Over twenty local businesses and charities raised or made money in this traditional Christmas kick-off.

"The Electric Palace raised some awareness of their Film 183 club

"Beach school  Time and tide bell and Beach of dreams educated children about their coast.

"Father Christmas gave out over 100 free party bags.

"Despite dire predictions the weather was warm, and sunny in places! not a drop of rain and we lost no Gazebos to wind."

Welcome - Town Crier Richard Bench, gets the Market openedWelcome - Town Crier Richard Bench, gets the Market opened (Image: Steve Brading)

Busy - The market was bustlingBusy - The market was bustling (Image: Steve Brading) Community - The Home Start stall in support of the charityCommunity - The Home Start stall in support of the charity (Image: Steve Brading) Elf - Vicky May celebrates the market that started in 2011Elf - Vicky May celebrates the market that started in 2011 (Image: Steve Brading) Sweet - Paris-Leigh Scott, 4, enjoys a sweet treatSweet - Paris-Leigh Scott, 4, enjoys a sweet treat (Image: Steve Brading) Art - Maisie and Clare Leach, showing off artwork by Holly VisionArt - Maisie and Clare Leach, showing off artwork by Holly Vision (Image: Steve Brading) Shopping - Residents enjoyed the busy marketShopping - Residents enjoyed the busy market (Image: Steve Brading) Brew - Paul Mellor selling some festive brewsBrew - Paul Mellor selling some festive brews (Image: Steve Brading) Charity -Ruth Benham and Martin Nicholls on the stall for Essex and Herts Air AmbulanceCharity -Ruth Benham and Martin Nicholls on the stall for Essex and Herts Air Ambulance (Image: Steve Brading) Handmade - Val Carter with her knitted and croqueted itemsHandmade - Val Carter with her knitted and croqueted items (Image: Steve Brading)