It may still be six weeks until Christmas, but Dartford will be transformed into a winter wonderland this weekend to get you prepared for the festive season.

As ever, the main event is The Big Switch-On in the High Street at 5.30pm on Saturday.

Eastenders star Shane Richie , the titular hero of The Orchard Theatre's Dick Whittington panto, will do the honors this year. He follows in the famous footsteps of Adam Gemili, Ann Widdecombe and Les Dennis.

He'll be assisted by the winner of this year’s children’s Christmas colouring competition, which saw youngsters tasked with brightening up a picture of Dick Whittington’s cat.

Melody Woodhall, seven, from Holy Trinity School, has entered the competition a couple of times before and was delighted to have finally won. Her unusual take on Dick’s feline companion clearly impressing the judges.

“I really enjoyed colouring the cat,” she said.

“Pink is my favourite colour and it’s not the colour cats usually are!”

Among the other entertainers on stage will be popular arts and crafts show host Mister Maker, The Voice’s Jamie Johnson and some of Richie's Dick Whittington cast mates.

Entertainer Adam Hoffman will be there from 2pm and pop trio Orfila perform at 2.15pm.

Local theatre group DAODS will perform at 2.50pm, followed by Dick Whittington duo Malcom Lord and Pete Gallagher.

Screenings of the hit film Paddington will begin at regular intervals from 3.25pm.

If marmalade’s not your jam then stick around for Jamie Johnson and New Jersey Nights, who will be on hand to provide live music from 4.10pm. Mayor Ian Armitt arrives an hour later, with Mister Maker at 5.15pm and Father Christmas at 5.25pm.

The Big Switch-On itself is at 5.30pm.

Cllr Patsy Thurlow, cabinet member for events, expects this year’s event to be another successful one for the town.

“We’re looking forward to another spectacular Big Christmas Switch-On,” she said.

“I hope you can join us in the High Street for an afternoon of festive fun!”

In addition to the acts and entertainment on the stage in the High Street, there will be lots of family entertainment and giveaways around the town centre.

The Priory Centre will be opening its Christmas grotto at 10am on Saturday, featuring plenty of family fun; from writing letters to Santa to decorating cookies.

It will reopen every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from November 27 until December 20, and then every day until Christmas Eve.

The centre will also be running a toy appeal in partnership with the hospice charity ellenor, and manager Shelley Filippi is confident locals will enjoy the line-up of festive events.

She said: “Our team at The Priory Shopping Centre strive to put the community at the heart of what we do and are delighted to have so much happening in the centre to excite and ignite children’s imaginations.”

The Priory isn’t the only shopping centre getting involved. The Orchard will play host to Alice and other denizens of Wonderland for a string of themed events every weekend from 10am until 4pm.

Artwork inspired by Lewis Carroll’s classic novel are on display in Stephen Oliver’s art studio in the centre, which is also acting as a collection point for another toy appeal in aid of the Choices and Parents Consortium charities.

Santa will also be paying regular visits to the Orchard throughout December.

The Bandstand in Central Park will host its annual carol concert on Thursday December 10, while the High Street’s Farmers’ Market returns on Friday December 18 from 10am until 2pm.

A great range of fruit, vegetables, meats, cheeses, breads, cakes, jams and chutneys will be on offer.

Finally, the Cards for Good Causes are once again running their charity Christmas card shop. It is in Dartford library and is open Monday to Saturday from 10am until 4pm.

More events are being added to the town’s Christmas line-up all the time.

Keep up to date at dartford.gov.uk/christmas