Gravesham council has decreed it will be Christmas every day, and the festive season started last night with a lantern parade and light switch on.

The huge parade, organised by Cohesion Plus, made its way through Gravesend town centre with with bands and costumed school children joining in the fun.

Gravesham mayor Cllr Mick Wenban led the youngsters – all carrying homemade lanterns – from St George’s Shopping Centre, accompanied by dancing Santas and a mobile snow machine, before the big lights switch-on in Community Square.

The cast of this year’s pantomime, Robin Hood and the Babes in the Wood, made a special appearance during the parade, including EastEnders star Ricky Norwood, who plays the Sheriff of Nottingham.

Last year’s illuminations won second place in a national competition and the £3,000 prize has been spent on lights at the Clock Tower.

The festivities get sporty on Saturday, November 21, with a climbing wall, a reindeer rodeo and a snowboard simulator in Community Square. The afternoon ends with a Santa Dash. Registration for that starts at 3.30pm with the race itself at 4.30pm.

Other events take place at Cascades and Cygnet leisure centres all day and into the evening as well as at Meopham Tennis and Fitness Centre and NRG gym.

For all the Christmas events visit christmasingravesend.co.uk

Were you at the parade? Pick up a copy of next week's paper for more photos.