Dartford is gearing up for its Big Christmas Switch On event, featuring a special guest.

Sia Buist, the eight-year-old winner of the town's Christmas colouring competition, will assist 'Father Christmas,' the Mayor of Dartford, and panto stars in illuminating the town's Christmas lights.

The festive occasion is scheduled for Saturday, November 16, with the switch-on taking place at 5.15pm.

The event promises a host of activities and entertainment for visitors.

The fun begins at 10am, with street performances in the High Street, Orchards Shopping Centre, and Priory Shopping Centre, courtesy of Cohesion Plus.

Visitors can enjoy face painting, music, balloon art, and magic shows.

The entertainment continues on stage from 2pm in Brewery Square, with performances from the Orchard West Theatre Choir, the Orchard West Ukulele Group, and the Signing Choir.

Stars Tilly Pantlin and Jason Allen are also set to perform, alongside Freddie Mercury and Taylor Swift tribute acts.

At 4pm, Sydnie Christmas, a panto star, will deliver a special performance.

The entertainment programme continues with Gary Goodmaze at 4.55pm, followed by a brief address from The Worshipful the Mayor of Dartford, Councillor Andy Lloyd, just before the big lights switch-on.

This year's event has received generous support from several organisations, including Dartford Borough Council, Orchards Shopping Centre, The Priory Shopping Centre, Orchard West, Aldi, Fairfield, Dartford Markets, Dartford Messenger, and Cohesion Plus.

The Big Christmas Switch On marks the start of Dartford Borough Council's festive calendar.

In addition to the switch-on event, the council has announced several other events for the holiday season.

These include Santa's House, open on November 23, 24, 30, and December 1, 7, and 8.

Santa's Tour will take place on December 1, 4, 8, 15, 17, and 22.

More information about these events and others can be found on the council's website, dartford.gov.uk/events.

The festive season in Dartford is set to be a memorable one, with a range of activities and performances planned to entertain the whole family.