With a little over a month to go to Christmas, it’s about time the town sparkled with festive spirit.

Maidstone’s Christmas lights will be switched on tonight at Fremlin Walk shopping centre.

Along with late night shopping for those getting the gifts in early, there will be an evening of entertainment, hosted by kmfm breakfast show presenters Garry Wilson and Laura Nevitt.

The star-studded show will kick off at 4.15pm, and will include performances from CBBC’s Kellimarie, X Factor girl group Lemonade, and local starlets from Mandy Ellen Dance School.

The lights will be switched on around 6pm by the stars of the Maidstone Studios’ Peter Pan pantomime –oh yes they will.

The pantomime kicks off on Friday, December 15, and runs until Saturday, January 6, with an all-star cast including James Sutton, Amelia Lily, Lloyd Daniels and Pascal Craymer.

Radio presenter Garry Wilson said: "We can’t wait for the big lights switch-on at Fremlin Walk.

"There’s always loads going on and the crowds are always up for festive fun. Make sure you come and join us.

"All the entertainment is free and together we’ll really start the Christmas countdown in style."

Santa and his live reindeer will also stop by the bandstand to meet and greet kids, and one lucky visitor will win £250 in the text-to-win competition.

The bandstand near River Island will also be home to the Fremlin Walk Elf School, where children can get a special makeover to give them a h-elfy glow, with red cheeks, hat, and collar.

They’ll also receive a chocolate and a certificate, and can make a tree decoration to take home.

Shops in Fremlin Walk will be open until 8pm tonight, and the Christmas market will be in full swing, with churros, bratwursts, pulled pork baguettes, as well as some truly unique presents for that special someone.

The centre will be open late on selected dates throughout December, with normal opening hours resuming from Tuesday, January 2.