This year's Tonbridge Christmas Festival will see the panto stars waiting in the wings for the big light switch-on and a host of musical entertainment.

The festivities start early again this year with with a Family Fun Fair in Sovereign Way Mid.

There will be something for everyone including traditional children's rides, side shows, arcades, toffee apples and candy floss.

The fun fair will be open on Friday, November 21 from 6pm to 10pm and again on Saturday, November 22 from 12pm to 10pm and Sunday, November 21 from 12pm to 8pm.

A range of musical entertainment and activities will be provided for guests, all for free.

On the Sunday fun will begin at 1.50pm with the 17 Tonbridge Scout & Guide Band marching through the High Street.

At 2.15pm the on-stage musical entertainment begins at the top end of town featuring Tonbridge Community Singers, Porcelain Steel, Vinks, Tonbridge Theatre School, Bullshed, Medway School of Dancing, and Ricky and the Hats.

At 4pm the Mayor of Tonbridge and Malling, Cllr Sasha Luck, will be joined by stars from the Angel Centre Pantomime – “Robin and Babes in the Wood”, to switch on the Christmas lights.

“I’m really looking forward to this year’s festival and I hope people will come out to enjoy the fun" - Cllr Maria Heslop...

The music will continue until 6.00pm when there will be a firework finale over Tonbridge Castle.

The musical entertainment will continue from 6.30 until 8.00pm at the Chequers area near the Angel Centre featuring Razzamatazz, together with the Tonbridge Rock Choir.

Cabinet member for leisure, youth and arts, Cllr Maria Heslop, said: “I’m really looking forward to this year’s festival and I hope people will come out to enjoy the fun.

"With all the excitement of the lights switch on, the live music performances and the fireworks spectacular, it is sure to be a great afternoon. Thank you to Medway School of Dancing and Shaw’s Leisure, together with other High Street retailers for sponsoring the event.”

The festival is organised by Tonbridge Rotary Club with support from Tonbridge & Malling Borough Council, Tonbridge Lions Club, kmfm and Nick Shaw's Leisure and Medway School of Dancing.

For more info e-mail: gordon.court301@btinternet.com.