Cast of the Marlowe Theatre's panto - Cinderella

Stars of the stage and screen will help families celebrate the count down to Christmas with the switch on of Deal’s Christmas lights on Thursday.

Stephen Mulherne of Britain’s Got Talent is set to flip the switch along with other cast members from the Marlowe Theatre's production of Cinderella.

The event, which takes place in front of St George’s Church and the Rose Hotel in the High Street, is organised by the Deal and Walmer Chamber of Trade.

Entertainment begins at 4pm with light music in the area. At 6pm, Kmfm’s Johnny Lewis takes to the stage to jolly the crowds along with the Kingsdown Band.

At about 7pm, Father Christmas makes an appearance with the Deal carnival court in tow before the celebrities show up at 7.20pm.

At 7.30pm the countdown begins followed by the grand switch-on.

Meanwhile in Sandwich, final preparations are being made to the town’s Christmas Carnival and lights switch-on by the mayor, Cllr Jeremy Watts.

The fun starts on the Guildhall Forecourt from 2pm, with stall-holders and children’s entertainers out in force.

Fun-fair rides will add to the carnival feel, and with refreshments like a hog roast on sale, the cosy winter ambiance will fill the air - along with the festive smell of mince pies and mulled wine spices.

This year, the Sandwich Community Lights Committee has organised inside venues as well as an extra outside venue at Market Street, which contains themusic entertainment, Punch and Judy, a bouncy castle and more stalls.

St Peter’s Church will be open for a dance and drama workshop with the Kate Bennett School of Dance and Drama. Carols will also be sung.

The Meeting Room inside the Guildhall will be packed with activities for youngsters including face painting, story telling and a visit from Santa. Tea, coffee and mince pies are also available from there.

At the Guildhall Forecourt, the Salvation Army will stand, Kmfm DJ Johnny Lewis will DJ the occasion and the Deal Air Training Corps will also be there.

At 6pm the illuminated parade will set off from the Forecourt, going along Market Street, the Butchery, Strand Street, High Street, The Chain, King Street and back to the Guildhall before the countdown and grand switch on by the mayor.

Both events in Deal and Sandwich are free to the public.