Thousands of people enjoyed a fun-packed weekend of festive entertainment in Tonbridge as the annual Christmas Festival lit up the town.

This year’s festival, which was organised by Tonbridge Rotary Club with support from Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council, took place over the weekend.

The celebrations began with a Family Fun Fair in Sovereign Way Mid on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Traditional children’s rides, side shows, arcades, toffee apples and candy floss brought the town to life with thrills, laughter and smiles all round.

On Sunday, despite the rain, around 3,000 people gathered in the town to enjoy an afternoon of festive fun and the official switching on of the Christmas lights.

During the afternoon, revellers were treated to a mix of on-stage musical entertainment featuring Tonbridge Community Singers, Porcelain Steel, Vinks, Bullshed, Medway School of Dancing, Razzamataz and Ricky and the Hats all of whom performed free of charge.

At 4.30pm, Mayor of Tonbridge and Malling Cllr Sasha Luck took to the stage alongside members of the cast from the Angel Centre pantomime “Robin and Babes in the Wood” to switch on the Christmas lights.

The crowd massed around Big Bridge and along River Walk and were treated to a firework display over Tonbridge Castle followed by more free entertainment from Hobo and the Hippies, Lee Wilz and the Tonbridge Rock Choir, this time in the Chequerboard area near the Angel Centre.

Chair of the Festival Committee, Gordon Court said:“Despite the rain, there was a wonderful atmosphere in the town centre this weekend – what a fabulous start to the festive season. I’d like to say a massive thank you to everyone who has supported the Christmas Festival again this year – we couldn’t do it without you!”

Mayor of Tonbridge and Malling, Cllr Sasha Luck, said: “I was so impressed by the talent of all those who provided the on-stage entertainment this year and I’d like to say a huge thank you to them for taking part and to the Tonbridge Rotary Club for organising the whole event.

"It was very exciting to get on the stage myself with the pantomime stars to switch on the lights – Christmas has well and truly arrived in Tonbridge!"