Three days of Christmas festivities kicked off today in Tonbridge, leading up to the Christmas lights switch-on on Sunday.

The festivities start with a family fun fair in Sovereign Way Mid from 6pm tonight (Friday) until 10pm, and between noon and 8pm on Saturday, with traditional rides, side shows and arcades.

On Sunday from 1.50pm, there will be a parade through the High Street by the 17th Tonbridge Scout and Guide Band, before the on-stage entertainment begins at the top end of town with Tonbridge Community Singers, Porcelain Steel, Vinks, Tonbridge Theatre School, Bullshed, Medway School of Dancing, and Ricky and the Hats.

Then at 4pm kmfm's Andy Walker and 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 do the all-important switch-on.

The fun will then continue until 6pm when there will be a firework finale over Tonbridge Castle. Razzamatazz and Tonbridge Rock Choir will then continue the entertainment between 6 and 8pm at the Chequers area near the Angel Centre.

There will also be stalls and street performers in the High Street from 2pm.

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.”

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