mjefferies@thekmgroup.co.uk

THE Mayor of Margate says “the Christmas spirit will shine through” at the switching-on of the town’s Christmas lights tomorrow (Friday).
Cllr Ted Watt-Ruffell and organisers had planned a low-key event after last year’s impressive ceremony, led by the former Boomtown Rats star and global poverty campaigner Sir Bob Geldof.
But the build up has snowballed and Friday’s event is set to be one of the biggest and most colourful ever seen by the town.
The festive fun starts at 4.45pm when a parade, involving more than 300 schoolchildren and several VIPs, including kmfm DJ Johnny Lewis, leaves from the top of the High Street.
It will make its way down the main shopping precinct, through the Market Place and past Santa’s grotto in the Mayor’s Parlour, before being met by the Salvation Army band, which will perform a number of well-known carols at the Christmas tree in the Piazza.
Five local 'heroes,’ nominated for their special achievements over the past 12 months, will then push the button that illuminates the town centre at around 6pm.
The evening will conclude with a spectacular fireworks display above the harbour; a lively performance from a samba band; a colourful flag dance by students from Hartsdown Technology College, who are also staging a short nativity; and a performance from the cast of the Winter Gardens production of Oliver!.
Cllr Watt-Ruffell said: “It looks like it might be a bitterly cold evening, but I’m sure the Christmas spirit will shine through.
“This event is for the people of Margate and I’m honoured that so many local children will be taking part.
“Community spirit will be a key theme and we’re trying to get across the true meaning of Christmas.”