Hundreds of visitors enjoyed free festive cheer at Stow Maries Great War Aerodrome on Saturday. Set in the historic atmosphere of The Airmen’s Mess café, Christmas at Stow combined craft stalls, festive food, children’s activities, music and special guests.

Handbell ringers from All Saints Church in Maldon entertained with Christmas carols and festive songs, rung on bells dating back to 1870 – even older than Stow Maries Great War Aerodrome. Meanwhile, visitors browsed the craft stalls and enjoyed festive food and drink in the original Airmen’s Mess.

Outside, members of 10th Essex Living History Group, who present as members of the Essex Regiment who served in World War One, recreated the famous (if probably apocryphal) Christmas truce football game. Children’s craft activities kept families entertained, while both Father Christmas and The Maldon Grinch took time out of their busy schedules to pop in and say hello.

The event was the final one of the season for Stow Maries Great War Aerodrome, which closed its doors on Sunday 7 December at 4pm for a winter break, reopening on Friday 13 February at 10am.

Ian Flint, Chief Executive Officer of Stow Maries Great War Aerodrome, comments: “Christmas at Stow was a fantastic way to round off a busy and successful year. We will now be working hard behind the scenes during the winter closure to put the finishing touches on an exciting programme of events and a new exhibition for 2026.

See www.stowmaries.org.uk for more information.