Kentish Express Ashford & District
Postman Pat will deliver at switch-on
Postman Pat is heading to Ashford for the town’s Christmas lights switch-on.
The popular children’s TV character will be the star attraction as the festive countdown gets under way in the town centre on Saturday, November 22, with plenty of additional fun for the whole family to enjoy.
The event, organised by Ashford Borough Council, will not only feature appearances from Postman Pat and Jess the Cat, but also an array of festive food, late-night shopping and choirs singing cheerful tunes to help visitors get in the Christmas spirit.
During the day, families can visit Postman Pat and his chum Ben Taylor as they make personal appearances in the County Square shopping centre and on the High Street at intervals between noon and 4.30pm.
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In addition, there will be a special letterbox near the Kids Stuff toyshop in County Square where children can post their letters to Father Christmas. To ensure your child receives a personal reply, follow Royal Mail’s instructions by visiting their website at http://www.royalmail.com/letters-to-santa
Christmas presents can be bought at a special farmers’ Christmas gift market taking place between 9am and 5pm in the Park Mall shopping centre. In addition, the regular market on the Lower High Street will stay open until 2pm.
Choirs will be performing on the bandstand in the High Street from 2pm, including the Ashford Rock Choir, Ashford Community Choir and the Salvation Army.
The grand lights switch-on will take place at 4.30pm at the bandstand with help from the Mayor of Ashford Cllr John Link, Postman Pat and Ben Taylor, the Padua Ward Child of Courage, kmfm presenters and stars from The Marlowe Theatre’s pantomime, Aladdin.
You can kickstart your Christmas shopping with shops, including Marks and Spencer, Debenhams and Wilkinson, staying open until 7pm that day.
The event is sponsored by Ashford Borough Council and the County Square and Park Mall shopping centres.