A Christmas carnival led by a giant firebird will illuminate a town centre as part of this year's festivities.

The annual Carnival of the Baubles parade is to return for an evening of lights, entertainment, food and children's activities in Ashford.

The event is a procession of giant, illuminated baubles decorated by children from primary schools across the borough.

This year's march will hit the town centre on Saturday, November 23 - and with a new route.

Due to the gala's growing popularity, its now-reversed path will see it set off from the Lower High Street at 5pm.

It will then hit Bank Street before reaching its climax outside The Ashford Cinema at Elwick Place.

This year’s carnival will be led by a giant firebird lantern, which, with a fountain of sparks from its beak, will help guide the procession of revellers and Ashford-based businesses through the town.

Hundreds of residents, Ashford school children and college students will also take part in the parade.

The theme for this year’s event is Ashford – The Place That Makes Us.

Arts and participatory display company, Emergency Exit Arts, are leading on the creations alongside Park Mall-based business, Made In Ashford.

The trader is already running lantern making workshops in County Square in the pop-up Bauble Maker Space.

Every Saturday in November leading up to the festival, children can make their own miniature baubles at the workshops to carry on the night.

Cllr Heather Hayward (Ind, Roman ward) believes this year's carnival could be its biggest ever.

Ashford Borough Council's (ABC) portfolio holder for tourism and culture said: “Everybody loves the Carnival of the Baubles and we can’t wait to see what people create for this year’s spectacular.

"There are so many residents, schools, community groups and businesses involved in the event and it just seems to get bigger and better.

“A lot goes into the organising of our events so I hope that as many people will come and be a part of what looks to be a magical day.”

Alongside the procession, there will also be a Christmas makers' market and samba and drumming performances at the Bandstand and Elwick Place.

Those wishing to book workshops can do so by visiting Love Ashford's website.

Last year’s event featured an enchanted forest theme and was led by five-metre puppet, Farrah the Fox.