A DAY of seasonal activities is coming to Basildon – and shoppers will be able to park for free.

For the first time, this year’s Christmas light switch-on in the town centre will feature a day of entertainment and activities in the run-up to the big switch-on by former X Factor winner Matt Cardle.

Thousands of people are expected to descend on the town on Saturday, November 16 to enjoy a nativity parade, reindeers, a Victorian market, fairground rides and a giant snow globe.

The three organisers behind the festival – Basildon Council, the Eastgate Centre and Basildon Town Centre Management, have announced they will be opening up their car parks for free on the day.

The free car parks include: the two Euro car parks, including the large multi-storey, on Great Oaks both of which are managed by BTCM; the Eastgate car park; and the upper and lower car parks behind the Basildon Centre and Towngate Theatre.

Terri Sargent, Basildon councillor responsible for community, said: “The free parking is a real bonus and I hope it will encourage people to come along and enjoy all the festive fun going on, visit the market and shops and do some Christmas shopping without having to worry about parking charges.”

Ian Clark, the Eastgate Centre’s manager, said: “This will probably be the biggest and best event Basildon has hosted.

“Eastgate is therefore delighted to treat shoppers to free parking here for the day.

“We fully expect many more to travel to the town to take advantage of this bonus and join in the town centre celebrations.”

Hans Wustefeld, BTCM’s general manager, added: “This event gets better all the time.”

The car parks at the town’s Asda and Westgate Retail Park are not included in the free parking scheme.

The Basildon Christmas Festival takes place from 10am on Saturday, November 16, with the lights being turned on at 6pm.