Children's characters will be joining kmfm presenters to start the countdown to Christmas in Medway.

The kmfm team will be at all five festive light switch-ons across the Towns.

The first event will be on Friday, November 19 in Strood. Family entertainment will begin in Friary Place ahead of the lights being turned on at 5pm.

There will also be the chance to meet The Gruffalo at Strood Community Hub in the High Street at 2pm.

The Snowman and The Snowdog will be in Chatham the following day with entertainment in Military Square, followed by the Mayor of Medway Cllr Jan Aldous pushing the button to turn on the lights.

The following Friday, November 26, Cbeebies' favourite Bing will be at Gillingham Community Hub at 2pm and there will be family entertainment in the High Street.

On Saturday, November 27 the kmfm team will be in Rochester with a mystery guest still to be announced.

The last switch-on will be in Rainham on Friday, December 3. Peter Rabbit will be meeting children in the library from 2pm.

For each date, the entertainment will be from 3.45pm and the lights will be switched on at 5pm.

To book to meet a character in Strood, Gillingham or Rainham, call 01634 337799.

The events are being sponsored by Specsavers Medway, which has branches in Strood, Chatham and Gillingham.

Director Punit Patel said: "As local businesses in Medway, Specsavers Chatham, Gillingham and Strood are extremely happy to be sponsoring the Medway Christmas Light switch on for another year. Christmas for most is a very magical time of the year, so for us it is a wonderful chance to support an event that is enjoyed by hundreds of people from our local community. It’s something our teams look forward to and love to get involved in.

"With all that is happening in the world, it is more important than ever that those who have suffered loneliness, isolation, or have had their mental health impacted due to the pandemic have some festive cheer. The lights might seem such a small thing but to some - especially families with children, those with disabilities, the elderly - they are the beginning of a happy time of year full of joy, wonder and magic.

"From all of us at Specsavers Medway we would like to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year."

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