It may have been windy and raining but that didn't stop a magical Christmas parade last night.

The festive event was held in Maidstone town centre and included a special visit from Santa and his helpers.

Mayor Cllr Derek Mortimer launched a "giant post box" in the Lockmeadow Entertainment Centre – where children can post their letters to be sent to Lapland.

More than 350 children visited Father Christmas to have their picture taken with him on his sleigh.

Between 4pm and 6pm pop-up performances took place around the town, including The Mall, Fremlin Walk and the Royal Star Arcade.

Santa, LED Drummers, Roller Skating Baubles, Clockwork Ballerinas and Candy Cane Stilt Walkers were all part of the fun, and made sure to entertain residents, shoppers and businesses.

Young performers also braved the weather and crowds enjoyed displays from the Pauline Quirk Academy and Hazlitt Institute.

From 6.30pm, the performers then took to the streets in a parade.

They made stops through Fremlin Walk, King Street as well as The Mall, and finished at the Town Hall in Jubilee Square.

The kmfm street team were also on hand to take lots of festive pictures and gave out free head boppers.

Cllr Claudine Russell, lead cabinet member for leisure and arts, said: "The Magic of Christmas events were absolutely fantastic for Maidstone – and it was wonderful to see so many people there despite the rain – who clearly really enjoyed it.

"I heard so many lovely stories of children getting to meet Santa, when they otherwise wouldn't have been able to due to cost.”

The Magic of Christmas was organised by Maidstone Borough Council and One Maidstone (BID) – who also hosted the town's Christmas light switch on which took place last Thursday.

Crowds gathered in Jubilee Square to watch the mayor and kmfm breakfast presenters Garry and Chelsea turning the decorations on.

Tonight, residents in Gillingham will have a switch on celebration, with mayor Cllr Jan Aldous and children's favourite Bluey and Bingo.

On Saturday evening, kmfm's Garry and Chelsea, as well as Rob Wills and Andy Walker, will be joined by Snow White for a festive turn on in Rochester high street.