Kent will be transformed into an enchanting winter wonderland this festive season, with the most magical Christmassy events taking place up and down the county. Dan Wright takes a look at what's on offer this weekend.

Postman Pat is heading to ASHFORD with kmfm breakfast host Emma Adam for the town’s Christmas lights switch-on. The popular children’s TV character will star as the festive countdown gets under way in the town centre on Saturday, November 22. There will be plenty of additional fun for the whole family to enjoy, including festive food, late-night shopping and choir singers. The grand lights switch-on will take place at 4.30pm at the bandstand.

The lights at the Creative Quarter in FOLKESTONE go on at 5.30pm on Friday, November 21, at the top of the Old High Street. Roaming choirs, roasted chestnuts, mulled wine and cider will be on offer throughout the quarter, with visitors encouraged to take a wander down the town’s historic old street.

It’s the turn of GILLINGHAM on Friday, November 21, when SpongeBob SquarePants will be at Smiths Square in the High Street from 3.45pm. Dance performances and choir singing will accompany the children’s TV character, who will join the mayor to flick the switch at 5pm.

Captain Barnacles from children’s TV series The Octonauts will be in Friary Place, STROOD, on Saturday, November 22, from 3.45pm. Captain will be a special guest alongside Medway’s deputy mayor, and they will switch the on the lights at 5pm. Dance performances and choir singing will also feature.

Meet Santa

As well as inviting you to indulge in a spot of Christmas shopping, Medway’s HEMPSTEAD VALLEY SHOPPING CENTRE is boasting a traditional grotto.

kmfm’s Ed Matthews will be helping Father Christmas with the countdown to the launch of his grotto at 10.30am on Saturday, November 22.

And fairytale princesses will be handing out free chocolate Santas to everyone that comes along to the launch.

Entry to the grotto costs £4.50 per child, and includes a wrapped quality present.

Pantomime stars

This Year's TONBRIDGE CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL takes place from Friday, November 21, to Sunday, November 23. The festivities start with a family fun fair in Sovereign Way, from 6pm to 10pm on Friday, continuing throughout the weekend.

On Sunday a band will march through the high street and there will be entertainment from 2.15pm. At 4pm kmfm's Andy Walker and the Major of Tonbridge and Malling will turn on the Christmas lights, helped by the stars from the Angel Centre pantomime.