Garage artist favourites Artful Dodger will kick off a town’s Christmas celebrations at its light switch-on.

MC Alistair and DJ Dave Low, who started representing the iconic band in 2003, will perform an hour-long set in Gravesend town centre.

There will be entertainment and a live music stage at the junction of New Road, High Street and Windmill Street from 1.30pm with the DJs taking the stage at 4pm.

Gifted Young Gravesham’s (GYG) choir will kick off the free fun day and Britain’s Got Talent semi-finalist Harrison Pettman will also perform.

There will also be shows from LED stilt walkers, Christmas characters and an Arctic adventure show.

As darkness falls, headliners Artful Dodger will be joined by the Mayor of Gravesham and the cast of this year’s panto at The Woodville, Jack and the Beanstalk, for the light switch on.

Cabinet member for community and leisure, Cllr Deborah Croxton, said: “Christmas is always extra special in Gravesham and the lights switch on is the traditional start of a magical few weeks.

“We would love to see as many of you as possible joining us throughout the afternoon and evening.

“It is a great opportunity to do some early Christmas shopping and support our wonderful independent traders, restaurants, bars and pubs.”

Best known for hits like Woman Trouble, Re-Rewind and Movin’ Too Fast, the original Artful Dodger, which featured Mark Hill and Pete Devereux, rose to fame in the 1990s and early 2000s.

Last year, legendary garage artists DJ Luck and MC Neat performed and helped switch on Gravesend’s Christmas lights.

This year’s event will be held on Saturday, November 16.