SPIRITS were not dampened as Halstead's annual Christmas fair returned despite the rough weather.

The annual Christmas fair takes place at Weavers Court each year, featuring business stalls, live singing and dancing and festive refreshments.

The event began at 10.30am on Saturday, with many residents attending despite wet and windy weather.

Stationed on the High Street next to Sainsbury's, full-time singer, Ellie Rose, 25, serenaded residents with covers of well-known songs.  

AJ Sounds and Ellie Rose battled the rain to provide live music for localsAJ Sounds and Ellie Rose battled the rain to provide live music for locals (Image: Halle Groves) Ellie travels around the area, singing in places like Chelmsford, Braintree and Colchester, with four to five gigs each week.

Live music and Ellie's backing tracks were provided by AJ Sounds, who has brought the music to Halstead events for many years. 

Halstead resident Kelly Tibbey attended the Christmas fair with a stall offering handmade glass charms which she makes and sells on Etsy.

She said: "This is my first time bringing my business to a local event.

"I only launched my Etsy business a few months ago.

"It feels great to be here and get involved in such a community=-based event.

"Everyone says it was a lot quieter this year, but I still sold a few and I really enjoyed it."

Kelly and Nicola offered hand-made items from their festive stallsKelly and Nicola offered hand-made items from their festive stalls (Image: Halle Groves) Halstead district nurse and Braintree resident, Nicola Radovcic was stationed by Kelly, offering handmade car fresheners that can also be used in wardrobes.

Nicola also makes her own sage sticks, for spiritual cleansing.

Nicola said: "I've been making the fresheners for about six months now.

"It was really nice to be at the event and I feel my stall was successful.

"It's just a shame the weather was so challenging but everyone has been really friendly despite the wet and cold."

Hells Bells Alternative Morris performed at Weavers Court for the eventHells Bells Alternative Morris performed at Weavers Court for the event (Image: Halle Groves) At lunchtime, attendees were treated to a live performance by Castle Hedingham-based Hells Bells Alternative Morris, who perform traditional Morris dancing all over the UK.

Offering upcycled and recycled wood items, resident Steve Pittuck set up his stall by the Hook at Weavers Court.

Steve has been creating household ornaments and decorative items from natural materials, like wood and scrap metal for more than a decade.

Steve Pittuck worked within the wood-tech department at the Ramsey Academy, HalsteadSteve Pittuck worked within the wood-tech department at the Ramsey Academy, Halstead (Image: Halle Groves) Steve works alongside wife Nicky and daughter Heather, at their family-run business, Yarn and Wood Workshop. 

Steve has been brining his stall to Halstead's Christmas Fair since 2014.

He said: "We're always here at the Christmas fair and we see a lot of repeat customers."

"Its success is weather-depending, and unfortunately the weather was not on our side this year.

"But locals always look out for us at the event and it's nice to see old friends and help customers add to their wood-work collections."