FOLLOWING a year of huge change, Braintree Village is set to celebrate in style this month as it marks its 20th birthday.

The shopping village will be surprising guests with a jam-packed day of fun for all the family on Friday.

From live music and children’s activities to extra discounts and late-night shopping, Braintree Village is inviting guests to join in the birthday celebrations and enjoy a day of free entertainment.

Radio Essex will be taking over the village from 5.30pm with popular breakfast show hosts Chris and Abbi presenting the festivities.

At 6pm vintage vocal trio The Rockabellas will be hitting the stage.

From Friday to Wednesday, November 20, families can take part in the Braintree Village Birthday Trail.

Children will be given the chance to find the hidden clues in store windows as families shop. The free trail maps can be collected from the guest services team, with a Lindt Teddy Bear advent calendar and Braintree Village gift card for one lucky child.

Josef O’Sullivan, centre manager at Braintree Village, said: “This year is our biggest yet and we can’t wait to celebrate with guests from Braintree, Essex and beyond.

“We’ve been part of the community for 20 years and wanted to celebrate in a way that gives something back to those who have enjoyed visiting us over the years.

“We can’t wait to welcome them tomorrow and give them a great day and evening out with friends and family.”

The festive season will have officially arrived with a 12-metre-high walkthrough Christmas tree, giant bauble and Christmas present.

This year has seen the transformation of Braintree Village from Freeport Braintree as it embarked on a new chapter.