We may still be clinging onto summer, but Gravesham council has already got an eye on Christmas.

Gravesend Borough Market is set to enjoy its second festive season since reopening last year and will host a four-week extravaganza of Christmas Frost Fairs.

The council wants new traders who can offer unique and quirky gifts, food, arts and crafts, confectionery, toys and books.

The council leader, Cllr David Turner, said: “We have a Christmas programme every year and this year will be no different. In fact the Frost Fairs are something new for us and we’re really excited about it.

“We’ve taken inspiration from the Frost Fairs of yesteryear, when the River Thames froze over and music, dancing, games and stalls selling everything from toys, books, arts and crafts and more were set up on the thick ice of the River Thames.

“Fires were lit to keep warm, ice skating was popular, food, alcohol and beverages were served in abundance and it was even recorded that an elephant performed on the ice.”

Gravesend’s Christmas programme will begin with the lights switch-on and community parade, which this year will take place on Friday, November 17.

Panto star Linda Lusardi will open a special market that evening and the Frost Fairs will begin the following weekend, starting with an Ice and Vintage theme.

All Things Magical is the theme for the weekend after, followed by Hot and Fiery, before All Things Christmas rounds things off over the weekend of December 16 and 17.

Traders who are interested can take a stall up for one or both days over a weekend or across several. Prices and pitch sizes vary depending on what you have to sell or offer.

Email Gravesend.Market@gravesham.gov.uk outlining what you sell and what theme would best fit your products.