Switched on

Christmas is coming... with switchons and festive fun kicking off the build-up to the big day across the county from next week. We take a look at the first few happening near you

TUNBRIDGE WELLS

Christmas kicks off in Tunbridge Wells on Sunday, November 19, with a day of family fun plus free parking all day at Royal Victoria Place.

Santa will be opening his new Festive Fireside-themed grotto and switching on the Christmas lights from midday with a little help from his celebrity friends – CBBC presenter Mark Rhodes, Eastenders’ Michael Greco and Chris Pizzey from The Basil Brush Show – who will all be starring in this year’s Assembly Hall Theatre pantomime Aladdin.

The event will be hosted by kmfm’s Drivetime presenter Rob Wills from 11.30am. Santa’s Grotto will be open until 4.30pm and there will be lots of free festive entertainment throughout the day, including the chance to see Chase and Marshall from PAW Patrol at intervals between 12.30pm and 4.30pm. Shoppers will also be able to see the biggest teddy in Tunbridge Wells and win prizes. Royal Victoria Place’s Marc Burchett said: “Santa’s arrival is one of the highlights of the Christmas season here in Tunbridge Wells and at Royal Victoria Place we cannot wait to welcome him back. We have been busy putting the finishing touches to a spectacular day of festive fun.”

Santa’s Grotto will be open every day until 4pm on Christmas Eve on Level 1 opposite M&S. Book in advance at royalvictoriaplace.com

For more details go to royalvictoriaplace.com

Picture: Phil Lee The cast of Aladdin includes CBBC presenter Mark Rhodes, Eastender Michael Greco and Jess Robinson from BGT

Hempstead Valley shopping centre is packed with festive events