Sittingbourne is set to be illuminated for the festive period when the town’s Christmas lights are switched on at the weekend.

A whole day of fun is in store ahead of the switch being flicked at about 5pm on Saturday.

Christmas Lights Association’s events organiser Jack Miller said: “I think it’s going to be one of our best years.”

The day’s festivities will be officially launched at 11am.

A fashion show to showcase this winter’s styles will be held in The Forum shopping centre at 11.30am.

Santa will be in his grotto at Swale Arts Forum’s Bourne Creative in The Forum from 11am-4pm. Visitors should also look out for an innovative light projection of 100-year-old figures in the window of Bourne Creative.

In the High Street, as well as the food, craft and community group stalls, there will be performances by dance groups and a band, as well as Zumba sessions.

As the big switch-on approaches, a parade featuring Santa and his elves, Sittingbourne Carnival Court, Teynham School pupils, baton twirlers and dancers from Sittingbourne’s Dudes and Divas, will set off at 4.15pm from outside Wilkinson.

The Teynham pupils will then take to the stage in Central Avenue and will help turn on the town’s lights.

Mr Miller added: “We have pretty much packed the whole High Street out with stalls. We have great entertainment - it’s going to be a fantastic year.”

The association still needs volunteers to help with its evening Santa’s sleigh rounds, which start on Sunday and continue until December 20.

Father Christmas will be out with his helpers around the streets of Sittingbourne to collect donations which help fund the annual display.