A Christmas parade led by a large mechanical fox puppet will light up Ashford town centre, kicking off the festive season.

The annual Carnival of the Baubles will return for a night-time festival of lights, music, dancing and food.

The celebration march, on Saturday, November 25, will have an enchanted forest theme, and be led by Farrah the Fox, a five meter tall puppet that will travel the streets on her scooter.

Hundreds of Ashford school children, college students, businesses, and community groups will take part in the procession which will start at 5pm from Elwick Place and continue up Bank Street towards the Lower High Street.

There will also be Christmas lights, festive markets and dancing and singing from school children. Families can also make lanterns in workshops, which they can show off during the parade.

High street vendors and food trucks will be offering their fares on sale prices and putting a Christmas spin on their regular menus.

And following the carnival, sponsored by EKC Ashford College, the nearby Coachworks will be hosting a family-friendly after party with street food and music.

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

Outdoor arts specialists Emergency Exit Arts have already begun crafting large baubles for the parade, and are hosting a bauble maker space- where residents can get a sneak peak, and take part in workshops.

Cllr Heather Hayward, portfolio holder for performance and direction at Ashford Borough Council says: “We are delighted to welcome back Carnival of the Baubles to Ashford Town Centre this November – it really is the perfect way to start the festive season!

“As well as looking magical, the parade of lights travelling up our high street really encapsulates true community spirit and brings our residents together every year, which is rather quite special.

This year’s theme of enchanted forests, the parade being led by Farrah the Fox and a full programme of events for everyone to enjoy should make this year even bigger and better and I for one cannot wait to attend.”

For more information about the carnival, click here.