The countdown to Christmas will officially begin with light switch-ons across Deal, Dover and Sandwich.

The event in Deal, organised by Deal & Walmer Chamber of Trade, will be on Friday, November 26.

Compere Johnny Lewis will rally the crowds on stage in the High Street from 6pm with appearances from Father Christmas, stars of the Royal Marines Pantomime and other well known faces.

Specially invited secret local heroes will then flip the switch on the decorations at 7.25pm.

The event is made possible thanks to an auction, held at Deal Angling Club in The Marina on Friday, November 12. Find out more at: dwchamber.co.uk/auction/

Sandwich and Dover's events fall on the same day - Saturday, December 4.

A full day extravaganza has been put together by a team of volunteers from Sandwich Community Lights Committee, led by Dean Marie.

A daytime party in King Street will run from 10am to 5pm, featuring snow, face painting, musical entertainment and a Santa's Grotto in the Goats that Dance coffee shop.

The fun continues with live music from Ozzie and The Uglies in Market Street from 5pm, with the switch on there at 7pm.

This is a change of venue from the Guildhall Forecourt due to uncertainty surrounding social distancing and upcoming forecourt renovations.

Nevertheless, it brings the fun closer to the popular light tunnel outside St Peter's Church.

The display is set to be more impressive than ever with £3,100 worth of new lighting, purchased as part of the committee's five year upgrade. There will also be a funfair in Guildhall car park.

Dover's event will be in the Heritage Quarter area, centred on Maison Dieu House.

There will be two Christmas trees, lights and family entertainment with more details still to be confirmed.

Read more: All the latest news from Deal