HEMPSTEAD VALLEY, GILLINGHAM

The run-up to Christmas starts at Hempstead Valley on Wednesday, November 15, with new decorations and lights being switched on and a 25ft high Christmas tree outside M&S. Festive events include a Christmas gift fayre running from Monday, November 20 until Sunday, December 3. The malls will be filled with speciality stalls, selling a variety of gifts and there’s a chance to win a Christmas hamper.

Father Christmas will take up residence in his grotto on Saturday, November 18 at 1.30pm, when he will be joined by kmfm’s Garry Wilson and Dame Nellie Night Nurse, one of the stars of the Central Theatre’s pantomime, Sleeping Beauty. The grotto features characters including penguins and will be open daily from Saturday, November 18 until Christmas Eve, with entrance costing £5 per child, iwhich will include a wrapped gift. There is no entry charge for any accompanying adults.

Young visitors can also post letters to Father Christmas in the big red post box and collect a free personalised reply back from the grotto elves. Letters must include a stamped, selfaddressed envelope, if they are to be posted. Please allow a week for the elves to get writing. Last posting date is Wednesday, December 20.

There will be a carol concert on Sunday, December 10 when the stores will be closed so customers can sing their favourite carols from 4.45pm, accompanied by the Medway Band.

For more details go to facebook.com/hempsteadvalley and hempsteadvalley.com