Hundreds of people packed onto Chatham High Street last night to watch panto villain, Sue Holderness, switch on the Christmas lights.

Dance groups, majorettes and a choir kept the crowds entertained, and there was also games and competitions.

The Only Fools and Horses actress turned on the illuminations at 5pm with the deputy mayor, Cllr Steve Iles and his wife Josie, and Cllr Habib Tejan.

Sue, famous for playing Marlene in the BBC sitcom, is portraying the Wicked Malevolent in Beauty and the Beast at The Central Theatre, Chatham, from December 10.

Tonight, it's the turn of Rochester. The Snowman and the Snowdog will be at Rochester Library, Eastgate, from 2pm before heading to the junction of the High Street and Blue Boar Lane to see the lights go on at 5pm.

Gillingham’s Christmas lights will be turned on from Smith Square in the High Street on Friday, November 20, at 5pm. Entertainment from 3.45pm will include Bing and Flop, from CBeebies, who meet children at Gillingham library from 2pm.

It’s Strood’s turn on Saturday, November 21. Bob the Builder will be at Strood library at 2pm and there will be entertainment at Friary Place from 3.45pm until the lights go on at 5pm.

Finally, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Leo and Raphcorr meet children at Rainham Library, from 2pm on Friday, November 27, before they head to Rainham Shopping Centre for lights on at 5pm.

There will be entertainment in the High Street from 12.30pm and performances by local dance schools from 3.45pm.

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