Kentish Express Ashford & District
A PAWfect day
Thousands of people headed to Ashford town centre to kick-start the countdown to Christmas at a festive family fun day.
Visitors were treated to a full day of Christmassy events in the High Street and County Square and Park Mall shopping centres.
The highlights included appearances from PAW Patrol’s popular Chase and Marshall, music on the bandstand and a visit by Father Christmas, who set up his grotto in Park Mall.
The cast of Ashford Theatre’s Rapunzel pantomime were meeting and greeting fans.
Live music on the bandstand – organised by Revelation Ashford – featured performances from Highworth School pupils, the Salvation Army Band, singer Danny Leigh and the Ashford Concert Band.
Miss Fantwistic amazed visitors with her incredible balloon creations and Mr Rags and his One Man Sleigh toured the town centre.
Visitors had the chance to start their Christmas shopping and take part in an Elfie Selfie competition in Park Mall where a £100 Love2Shop voucher is up for grabs until December 24.
Ashford Borough Council, which organised the day, said Park Mall received more than 11,000 visitors.
Town centre chief Cllr Graham Galpin said: “This year’s festive family fun day was excellent and certainly created a Christmassy atmosphere in the town centre. We hope the day got all our residents and visitors in the Christmas spirit and everyone thoroughly enjoyed all the festive events and activities on offer.”