Santa Claus arrives in Tunbridge Wells this afternoon in time for the turning on of the town's the Christmas lights.

X Factor winner Ben Haenow will flip the switch at Royal Victoria Place shopping centre in Camden Road, kicking off three days of fun festive events.

Father Christmas will do a whistlestop tour of the town accompanied by the cast of the Assembly Hall theatre's Snow White before arriving at the Ely Court Entrance at 4.30pm. The Grotto will be open from 5pm on level one opposite Marks & Spencer.

The shopping centre's light switch on party will be hosted by TV and radio presenter Jenni Falconer. Beginning from 6.30pm the evening will feature a live peformance from Britain’s Got Talent finalists ‘Boogie Storm’ who will be joining Ben Haenow to flick the switch.

The event is organised in association with Royal Tunbridge Wells Together, a community interest company.

Rachel Jenman, town centre manager, said: “Royal Tunbridge Wells Together is delighted to support town centre businesses this Christmas with our ‘Big Christmas Get Together’ Campaign.

"Santa’s Arrival and the light’s switch on events at Royal Victoria Place will be the perfect start to the festive season in Tunbridge Wells and will certainly position us as the place to shop and visit this Christmas.”

Marc Burchett marketing manager at the shopping mall, added: "We are all very excited that Ben Haenow and Boogie Storm will be joining us on the night and of course both will be performing live, so it’s going to be really exciting!”

On Friday, entertainment moves to the Calverley Grounds for the opening of the ice rink. There will be skating displays from Gillingham Silver Blades and the Invicta Dynamos, and a festive performance by the Tunbridge Wells Rock Choir.

On Saturday, The Pantiles Christmas Cracker starts at 5.30pm and will include a Christmas light switch-on, followed by open-air disco and live music.