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Colchester has set visitors up with high hopes for its Christmas Lights Switch-On this year - with the event promising to be the biggest and best yet. 2025 brings a spectacular evening of entertainment, music and magic to the city on Saturday, November 22 – and the chance to see Father Christmas himself!

Lion Walk Shopping Centre, Colchester BID and Colchester Events lead the celebrations, which promise to be the biggest and best yet with crowds of up to 70,000 expected to join the festivities throughout the day. November 22 is also the day Santa takes up residence in his Grotto in the Lion Walk Courtyard, providing the extra special moment of magic, and the big man himself will join The Grinch on stage to deliver a comic festive skit.

The turning on of the city's Christmas lights is one of the biggest days in the calendar for Colchester and this year's festive celebrations will see events and activities across the city centre, including a vibrant Christmas Market and a Big Wheel in St Nicholas' Square.

Shrek, starring in the award-winning West End show Shrek The Musical (which is at Charter Hall this Christmas), will then be the Colchester Town Crier and the Mayor of Colchester as they lead the official light switch-on between 7pm and 7.30pm.

Martin Leatherdale, Centre Manager at Lion Walk Shopping Centre, said: “Colchester’s Christmas Lights Switch-On is one of the most anticipated events of the year. 2025 is shaping up to be our biggest and brightest yet.

"With everything from live music and beloved characters to light displays and local performers, it’s a night that truly brings the community together to celebrate the magic of Christmas.”

For full event details, timings and updates on Christmas in Colchester, including booking a visit to Santa’s Grotto, visit

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A council has rejected a major from Bloor Homes to build 165 homes on the outskirts of an Essex town - marking the third failed attempt to develop land in the area in just six years. The decision by comes on the heels of previous similar applications for Tiptree in 2019 and 2020.

Previous proposals were by in 2019 and Kier in 2020 for sites in Barbrook Lane and Brook Meadows, both of which lost subsequent . The latest application, targeting 10.3 hectares of land north of Maldon Road, was deemed to cause “unacceptable harm” to the rural character of Tiptree and Tiptree Heath.

Council documents stated the proposal was “fundamentally at odds” with the local authority’s planned spatial strategy. The site lies outside the settlement boundary and is not allocated for development in either the Section 2 Local Plan or the Tiptree Neighbourhood Plan.

Finc Architects, representing Bloor Homes, argued the land had “no notable features” and claimed the development would have a “neutral impact” on nearby heritage assets.

But the plans faces major backlash from residents and Tiptree Parish Council, who highlighted concerns over the strain on local infrastructure, including roads, schools, and hospitals. One objector pointed out that plans are already in place to deliver 600 new homes in the area by 2033, raising fears about overdevelopment.

Karen Syrett, the council’s lead officer for planning, housing, and economic growth, signed off on the decision. In planning documents she said: “The proposed development would result in unacceptable harm to the rural character of the landscape and negatively affect the character and identity of both Tiptree and Tiptree Heath.”

She added that the proposal failed to comply with key planning policies and the National Planning Policy Framework. This latest rejection underscores ongoing tensions between housing development ambitions and the preservation of Tiptree’s rural charm, with locals and the council firmly standing their ground against unplanned growth.

Bloor Homes can appeal the decision and have six months to do so.

Colchester City Council was awarded the status by the City of Sanctuary Local Authority Network

Left to right: Dr (HC) Rachel Walton, Co-founder of African Families in the UK; Salim Higah, Director and Co-Founder of Boys & Men CIC UK; Cllr Michael Lilley, Mayor of Colchester; Pamela Donnelly, Chief Executive at Colchester City Council; Cllr David King, Leader of Colchester City Council; Eddie Campbell, Managing Director of Essex Integration; Maria Wilby, Director of RAMA.

Colchester City Council has been awarded City of Sanctuary status.

The council's Resettlement Team, in partnership with local organisations, helps newcomers adapt and contribute to life in the city.

RAMA, Essex Integration, African Families in the UK, Bangladeshi Women's Association, and the Colchester Caribbean Group all work with the council to create inclusion and cohesion.

We spoke to David Kind, leader of Colchester City Council, who said:

"We are committed to being welcoming, and fair, to everyone in the community, which is what I hope everybody would expect."

"The most important thing for me is that we even-handedly do all we can to help existing communities, and those who arrive."

"We don't set the policy on migration, central government does that. But it is local communities that have to deal with the realities.

"I say there are three things for me: a welcome to anybody who arrives in our city and district, whether it is coming from London or coming from afar, like Ukraine or Afghanistan.

"Whoever is here should feel welcome. They should feel they will get fair treatment when they look to local authorities for help and support, like everybody else.

"They should be encouraged to feel that they can integrate and be part of some of our communities. It is really crucial for the long-term that people are encouraged to be good citizens."

He said that the award is important to the council:

"It is a test of our effectiveness, our efficiency, and our heart.

"Every community should be able to get in touch with the council, to ask for help and support, and to bring their challenges to us."

David also said that he would like to thank "a long list of people who give their own time and effort to other people."

"I want to encourage everybody in Colchester who's got an open heart to others is to treat people with differences as a good neighbour would treat others. That's our approach and we're doing our little little bit here in this way to encourage that positive spirit.

"New arrivals, wherever they may come from and will be encouraged to be good citizens and to feel at home in Colchester. It is a place with a long history of welcoming others from abroad and making the best of what is a challenge for the many, including the host population."

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COLCHESTER has been recognised as a City of Sanctuary recognising the work done to support those fleeing conflict and persecution.

Colchester City Council has been given the status by the City of Sanctuary Local Authority Network.

It recognises the council’s commitment of making the city a welcoming place, one which is inclusive, and provides integration support to those in need.

Colchester is home to many organisations which help people seeking safety from conflicts around the world.

The authority’s resettlement team partners with RAMA Colchester, Essex Integration, African Families in the UK, Bangladeshi Women’s Association, and the Colchester Caribbean Group.

Colchester mayor, Mike Lilley, said: “I am delighted we have been awarded city of sanctuary status, recognising our proud history and ongoing commitment to supporting those fleeing conflict and persecution.”

Council leader David King, added: “Our city has many communities, and it is vital we minimise the impacts of migration, and ensure we work together, to encourage cohesion, connection, and integration.”

The team leads key community-led housing initiatives, such as Homes for Ukraine and Communities for Afghans.

It has also hosted an event for Ukrainian refugees to mark the third anniversary of Russia’s invasion.

RAMA Colchester, in Eld Lane, works with and supports refugees, asylum seekers and people with no “recourse to public funds”.

According to its website, RAMA Colchester offers “non-judgemental assistance to individuals and families in need”.

It offers advice on the asylum process, and helps with school applications, arranging doctor’s visits, signposting to other useful resources, transport, job applications, English lessons, sourcing furniture and more.

RAMA director, Maria Wilby, said: “Colchester’s award is truly deserved.

“Their work benefits not only those vulnerable migrants in need of support but also the general population.

“When the most vulnerable are being looked after well then there are more capacity and resources for us all. We are proud to work alongside such a forward-thinking council.”

African Families in the UK helps, a community-interest company, hosts workshops and helps African diaspora families in the UK to get the best outcomes for their children through training and information on education, health and social care.

Co-founder, Dr Rachel Walton, said: “At AFiUK, we celebrate Colchester Council’s City of Sanctuary Award as a powerful recognition of their commitment to welcoming and including all communities.

“This achievement reflects the values we share – creating a city where everyone feels safe, valued, and able to belong."