Tonight it’s back! It’s bigger than ever and the town of Maffra can’t wait to put on a show that the whole region can come and enjoy.

The Maffra Christmas Festival is revving to life again to bring the spirit of Christmas back to the main street in town.

Having built expectations as one of the busiest and entertaining festivals in Gippsland, it’s likely that a big crowd will return this year.

Christmas committee member Pam Anderson said that the joint venture with the Maffra Business and Tourism Association has proven to be a successful combination of hard work and a desire to put on a professional event that would attract people from over the whole state.

‘We’ve had people come and return each year from Melbourne, Ballarat and other areas around Victoria. It’s been great for Maffra and for the local area but also for tourism and letting people experience what our great region of Gippsland has to offer,” Ms Anderson said.

This year’s festival will be no exception to previous years with an array of entertainment to suit the youngest to the oldest.

Standing high above the crowd will be stilt wearing guests such as Giant Mr and Mrs Santa, Fuchsia Flower and Gemma the Giraffe, accompanied by her ranger.

Wacky Wombat will bring a hive of activity for kids and parents to enjoy. Tubby the Robot and Marjo the clown will be slowly making their way through the crowd for plenty of pics and selfies.

And of course, what Christmas Festival would be complete without a visit from the real Mr and Mrs Claus.

Other activities include a petting zoo, face painting, balloon twisting and jumping castles to keep the kids entrained for hours.

Local acts will be on display, with music from Mr and Mrs Jones and an interactive song and dance show from Gran Pam and Phil Pop. Their set will include mostly original songs but a number of well-known classics that people can sing along with.

Great raffle prizes will be available on the night as well as food and gift stalls for last minute Christmas shopping. Most local retailers will be open during the event so that passers-by can enjoy the best of what Maffra has to offer.

So come along, bring the whole family and join in with the festive cheer, tonight Wednesday, December 13, from 5:30pm-9pm at Johnson St, Maffra.