Things to do this weekend in Kent including Christmas lights switch ons in Kent
It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas!
Despite being still six weeks away, a lot of Kent's events have a festive flavour. Here's our pick of all the family fun on offer this weekend...
Christmas lights switch-ons
Friday, November 15 and Saturday, November 16
Canterbury kicks off the lights switch-ons on Friday night in St George's Street between 4pm and 6pm. There will also be Christmas Market on the same day - although only in St George's Street - with free park and ride from 3pm. The Christmas Lights will be illuminated in glorious festive colours by kmfm breakfast presenters Garry and Laura between 5.30pm and 5.50pm, along with the cast of the Marlowe's Mother Goose panto.
Rochester will switch on its Christmas lights in the High Street along with Rob Wills from kmfm on Saturday. There will be cast members from this year's Central Theatre pantomime Cinderella and Derek Moran from Channel 5’s Milkshake will be turning on the Rochester lights alongside the Mayor. Entertainment begins at 3.45pm and the switch on is at 5pm.
In Sittingbourne, the lights will also go on on Saturday, November 16. The button will be pushed on stage at the junction of Central Avenue and the High Street at around 5.30pm.
And in Dartford the big Christmas switch on will take place in the High Street. There will be family entertainment and giveaways in the town centre with celebrity faces including Denise Van Outen and Britain’s Got Talent winners Twist & Pulse, music from the Soundcasters, a tribute to JoJo Siwa, Lee Jackson and the Country Jukebox Band and X Factor’s Che Chesterman.
For a full round-up of lights switch-ons in Kent please click here.
Grotto and ice rink, Bluewater, Greenhithe
Saturday, November 16 and Sunday, November 17
Bluewater's ice rink and grotto will be open for its first weekend this Saturday and Sunday. If you're looking for some festive spirit then tickets are now available to book here. Perfect for all the family to enjoy, there are skating aids for kids and bob skates for those who need to be steady on the ice. Beverages, hot drinks and refreshments are also available.
For a full guide as to where you can visit Santa in Kent click here.
Chalk Christmas Fair, Chalk Parish Hall, Lower Higham Road
Saturday, November 16
Grab a unique gift, get some handmade delicious Christmas cakes and soak up the festive atmosphere at this popular Christmas fair. There is something for everyone with stalls, games, competitions and prizes for the adults, and for the children there will be pocket-money games and stalls, icing biscuits, arts and crafts, a free puppet show and a chance to visit Mother Christmas to read a story and write a letter to Father Christmas!
Not to mention a café serving light lunches, hot and cold drinks and sweet treats. The event runs 11am until 2pm.
Kent Festival, Kent County Showground, Detling
Saturday, November 16 and Sunday, November 17
An indoor festival is at the showground this weekend with live tribute acts, stalls, a circus-themed tent and funfair.
The Kent Festival will star Ultimate Coldplay, Beyonce, Wannabe Spice Girls- The Wannabe Show, The Little Mix Show, a Pink Tribute Act, The Kopycat Killers and more. More details at kentfestival.com
Nativity! The Musical, The Marlowe, Canterbury
Running until Sunday, November 17
It's feel-good, funny and full of joy and this Christmas cracker of a musical is in Canterbury until Sunday.
Based on the 2009 hit British film it follows the children of St Bernadette's who are attempting to mount a musical version of Nativity which will be seen by Hollywood. There are two performances on both Saturday and Sunday. To grab the last remaining tickets click here.
Billionaire Boy, The Orchard Theatre, Dartford
Until Sunday, November 17
Twelve-year-old Joe Spud is the richest boy in the country. He has his own sports car, two crocodiles as pets and £100,000 a week pocket money. But what Joe doesn’t have is a friend. So he decides to leave his posh school and start at the local comprehensive. But things don’t go as planned for Joe and life becomes a rollercoaster as he tries find what money can’t buy.
The show is at the Orchard Theatre in Dartford from Wednesday, November 13 until Sunday, November 17. For tickets from £19, visit the website at orchardtheatre.co.uk or call 01322 220000.
For more news, events and activities to enjoy with the family in the run up to Christmas click here.
