Pantomime dame Ian Good – aka Sarah the Cook in the Chatham’s Central Theatre’s panto – will be on hand to make sure there’s plenty of festive laughs at the opening of Father Christmas’ traditional grotto at Hempstead Valley shopping centre this weekend.

Sarah will be joined by the kmfm street team for the festivities on Saturday, November 17 at 2pm.

There will be free chocolate Father Christmas lollies for children coming along to join in with the fun.

The grotto features characters including a snowman and giant candy canes and giant sweets, will be open daily until Christmas Eve.

Entrance to the grotto to visit Father Christmas costs £5 per child and includes a wrapped gift. There is no charge for adults who come with their children.

The centre is also opening until 8pm on weekdays and Sainsbury’s and restaurants at The Venue will be operating extended opening hours.

It also launches its two-week Christmas gift fayre on Monday, November 19, with an array of festive gifts, toys and decorations, plus seasonal food and drink.

There will also be a competition to win a Christmas hamper at the fayre, which runs until Sunday, December 2. To find out more about the centre’ s Christmas events go to the Facebook page at facebook.com/hempsteadvalley or hempsteadvalley.com