Christmas lights switch-ons across Kent this year

Published: 12:59, 18 November 2020

Updated: 17:17, 22 November 2020

There may be much uncertainty, but we can all be certain of one thing - Christmas is coming.

Our high streets may be deserted but the county’s dose of annual Christmas cheer has come regardless, several weeks ahead of the festive season with virtual switch-ons.

Christmas lights in Canterbury by Canterbury BID

In Canterbury, five miles of festive lights adorning the city centre were accompanied by a special online film of the illuminations being switched on by the mayor and the Marlowe Theatre’s panto dame, Nurse Nellie.

The film, which is also raising funds for the Lord Mayor’s Gift Fund, has music by local musicians James O’Keeffe and Stuart Weller (Kids of Yesterday) and the song Wake Up It’s Christmas is available to download, with proceeds going to the fund.

Lord Mayor of Canterbury Cllr Pat Todd has magical Christmas powers this year

It includes a special moment as Lord Mayor of Canterbury Cllr Pat Todd clicks his fingers, with magical results.

Watch the Canterbury Bid Christmas Light Celebration film on Facebook or YouTube here.

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In Maidstone, preparations have been going on behind the scenes for a Secret Switch On film, organised by One Maidstone BID.

Maidstone's Secret Switch-On will feature some colourful characters

The socially-distanced concert film of song and dance will replace the traditional switch-on and will go live online from 7.30pm on Thursday, November 19 here.

Maidstone's Secret Switch On will have some colourful characters

In Tunbridge Wells the switch-on, giving the streets a festive feel despite lockdown, was made possible thanks to Tunbridge Wells Together, the town’s BID.The lights also include Frosty, a 3.3.m tall snowman, ready to greet shoppers when they return at Five Ways.

Frosty the Snowman is lit up in Tunbridge Wells Picture: Rose Bainbridge

Ross Feeney, chief executive of Royal Tunbridge Wells Together, the town’s BID, said: "We wanted this year, more than ever, to provide some much-needed fun and happiness in a year that has been, far too dull to date. Royal

Tunbridge Wells has so much to offer."

Tunbridge Wells Christmas lights Picture: Rose Bainbridge

BID has also extended its £2 all day parking on a Sunday and many central car parks will be free after 3pm.

Lights for all three schemes have been provided by Aylesford-based galalights.com.

Gravesham Borough Council also performed its virtual switch-on on November 20. To view it, click here.

For more Christmas events across Kent click here.