Christmas arrived in Thanet with a special celebration at the Westwood Cross shopping centre.

Singers, dancers, a samba band and singer-songwriter Ben Mills joined forces to light up proceedings on Saturday.

Hundreds of visitors saw the festive season kick into gear with an entertainment spectacular featuring local bands, dancers, pantomime stars and choirs.

The mall’s lights and the musical Christmas tree were illuminated by former X Factor
finalist Ben, who is now working with Rod Stewart’s guitarist Jim Cregan.

The celebrations began at 2pm, as the live stage show filled shoppers with festive spirit through a mix of music, dancing and fun competitions. Ben, who lives in Thanet, also took to the stage with his guitar to perform a number of hit songs.

At 4pm, Santa’s parade, driven along by the high-energy pounding beat of samba drummers Bloco Fogo, set off through the centre’s mall.

The parade featured local performers, dance acts and Santa’s elves, and led a magical pathway to the centrepiece Christmas tree and Santa’s magical grotto.

The grotto is larger and even more magical than last year, with elves on hand to keep Santa’s little visitors entertained and to take their photos.

Santa’s Grotto, which costs £4 per child, is open until December 24, from 11am to 5pm (6pm from December 2), Monday to Friday, 10am to 6pm on Saturdays, and 10am to 4pm on Sundays.

For more pictures, see this week's Thanet Extra.