Crowds will be heading to Sandwich Lights Christmas Carnival on Saturday, when a packed fun-filled day is promised for all the family.

There will be a lantern-lit parade and ceremony to turn on the lights.

It all begins at 10am and the organisers are rising to the challenge of an even better day than the 2012 events, when nearly 4,000 people packed the streets.

Cllr Paul Carter, chairman of the Sandwich Community Lights committee, said: “Last year’s Christmas carnival and gala switch on was the biggest we have managed so far.

“We had five venues, 40 stalls, a superb parade, five bands and an entertainments line up that was applauded weeks afterwards.”

This year’s day has support from the Discovery Park and its managing director Paul Barber, Steve Laslett and the Sandwich Community Events Association, Peter Harvey, from the Ramsgate Old Motor and Motorcycling Club, Sandwich Toll Bridge Fund, Rotary and the traders and businesses of the town.

There will be Christmas stalls, morris dancing, street entertainment, lots of food and drink, a fun fair behind the Guildhall and a lantern-lit parade around the town at 6.15pm followed by a ceremony to turn on the Christmas lights at 7pm.

Musical guests will include Whitstable Samba Band, the Bad Penny Band, Razzamataz and Crooked Style.

Mr Carter added: “Stalls this year will be on the Guildhall forecourt and inside the Guildhall, where there will also be a chance for children to visit Santa in his grotto.

“One of the highlights will be making eyes popping out in the crowd as Bob Martin and friends have been organising pre-carnival workshops at the weekend to make outfits for the Mexican Day of the Dead parade, which will really not be too scary.

“I have seen the creations and the masks and they are fantastic. There are even 10ft high puppets which will bring a big smile to everyone’s faces.”

* A free park and ride will operate from 10am on Saturday from the Discovery Park, north of Sandwich, into the town centre. The service ends with the last bus leaving Sandwich at 8.4pm. There will be signs to direct traffic.